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Pavement fly-tip fines set to be cut by hundreds

Getty Images A pile of rubbish dumped in a bit of countryside. There are large bits of white MDF wood, with large blacksacks filled with rubbish, cuttings of woods, a rolled up beige carpet and a tipped over green bin. They are surrounded by grass and hedging with white flowers in the hedges. Getty Images
BCP Council's fines for illegal dumping away from homes and commercial premises will stay at £1,000

Fines for fly tipping outside homes could be reduced by hundreds of pounds after feedback from residents, a council has confirmed.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) is preparing to discuss proposals to change the current £1,000 blanket fine.

It comes after a six-month review into the authority's approach to deterring the illegal dumping of rubbish.

A statement released by the council said the proposal was in "direct response to feedback from residents" and to reflect new guidance from the government.

It follows the case of Isabelle Pepin, from Southbourne, Bournemouth who was fined £500 for fly tipping after leaving furniture outside her home for free collection.

Coverage of Ms Pepin's fine sparked a debate on what constituted fly tipping.

Under the changes, people would be fined £300 for items left outside a residential property, or £600 if a serious obstruction is caused.

The authority defines serious obstruction as leaving less than 1.2m (3.9ft) of space for people to pass.

The proposal does however state people would still be at risk of a £1,000 fine if they are caught fly tipping away from their home or commercial address.

Kieron Wilson, the council's cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said it was "crucial" to address the issue.

He said: "As a council which welcomes challenge, we have listened and acknowledged residents' mixed feedback.

"This has supported the formation of this proposed policy which aims to strike a balance between not overly penalising honest people who might make a mistake, whilst reprimanding anyone who consciously shows no consideration to our area."

Councillors are expected to discuss the proposal at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday 5 February.

Mr Wilson added: "Any obstruction to the public highway is unacceptable, especially when it prevents access for those with mobility challenges, or parents with prams.

"This policy aims to serve everyone," he added.

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