Push for fly-tipping to be tackled in Reading by more prosecutions...

In Reading, there has been a campaign for more enforcement and prosecution of anyone found to

be dumping trash.

There have been recent reports of severe fly-tipping incidents at the bottle banks in Kensington

Park, West Reading, with images displaying heaps of trash discarded there.

A bottle bank in East Reading’s Erleigh Road was closed last year because of frequent fly-tipping,

demonstrating the town’s widespread problem with dumping.

Reading Borough Council opposition parties are urging the Labour government to act.

During a full council meeting, Councillor James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) asked about

various enforcement strategies to address rubbish dumping.

He began by pointing to other places where fly-tipping had been successfully addressed.

Additionally, by concentrating on prosecutions, which result in criminal records for offenders,

rather than depending on the government-preferred Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs), Winchester City

Council has been able to reduce fly-tipping by 40%.

He then enquired about the expense of CCTV enforcement and the removal of discarded rubbish.

“I think that investigating these alternative strategies could lead to more cost-effective and long-

term solutions for our Borough,” said Councillor Moore.

The question was answered by Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services.

Cllr Rowland (Labour, Abbey) was unable to provide the amount spent on clearing waste and

CCTV, as these costs are not recorded.

She also alluded to a new ‘zero cost partnership arrangement’ aimed at doubling enforcement

resources.

Cllr Rowland said: “Where fly-tipping is investigated by this enhanced team, and an offender

identified, enforcement action will take place in the form of a FPN, designed to give the opportunity

to dispose of the offence out of court and avoid prosecution by payment.

“For large scale or repeat offences, the council and its partner can decide not to issue an FPN and

proceed straight to court.”

As part of an annual review of fees that will take effect on April 1, she added, FPN charge rates are

presently being reviewed and are scheduled to be increased.

“These charges will seek to amplify fees,” Cllr. Rowland clarified.

for violations such as fly-tipping and littering, and recoup the expenses of enforcement.

“By encouraging the offender to make early payment arrangements, it is hoped that increased FPN

fees will serve as a significant deterrent while remaining reasonable and proportionate.”

The council’s “refreshed approach” to free bulky garbage pickups, which would concentrate on the

areas most affected by dumping, will be unveiled soon, she said.

“The previous arrangement was significantly over-subscribed and failed to adequately address

those communities that needed it most,” Cllr. Rowland clarified.

“I hope these impending changes to how we address littering and fly-tipping in our Borough will

reassure the many good residents of Reading.”

The conversation happened at Tuesday, January 28’s full meeting.

Push for fly-tipping to be tackled in Reading by more prosecutions and enforcement