Fly-tippers could now face fines of up to £5,000 for dumping waste illegally under new government legislation.
The tougher penalties, set to take effect on September 1, will make Wiltshire Council one of the first in the UK to introduce the higher fixed penalty notices (FPNs) as part of an effort to tackle environmental crime.
The new regulations increase the maximum FPN for fly-tipping from £1,000 to £5,000, and for littering from £500 to £750.
Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "We are very active in tackling fly-tipping and where we have enough evidence, we always issue the maximum penalty available or, for larger incidents, take the perpetrators to court.
"However, whenever we promote this action, there are always calls from the public for the fines to be higher to provide a real deterrent.
"Unfortunately, until now we could only fine fly-tippers up to £1,000, but that will now change, with FPNs of up to £5,000 or direct prosecution for the most serious offences."
The council plans to adopt the maximum penalties and introduce a new framework that links fines to the environmental harm caused and the offender’s level of culpability.
Serious cases will continue to be considered for direct prosecution.
Fly-tipping remains a persistent issue across the county.
Mr Smith said: "Fly-tipping is a selfish and illegal act that blights our communities, damages the environment and costs taxpayers money to clear up.
"These new powers will give us a stronger deterrent against environmental crime and send a clear message that Wiltshire will not tolerate fly-tipping."
Most offences are expected to attract fines between £2,500 and £5,000, depending on the circumstances.
A 50 per cent discount will be offered to those who pay within 21 days.
Payments made between days 22 and 28 will require the full amount.
Cllr Smith said the new measures support the council’s wider environmental goals.
He said: "This supports the priorities set out in Our Wiltshire Plan, including our commitment to protect and enhance Wiltshire's natural environment and create cleaner, safer communities for everyone."
The council already investigates fly-tipping using evidence from waste, witness statements and surveillance operations.
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