New mobile solar powered CCTV units cut fly tipping

Newly introduced mobile solar powered CCTV units have led to a visible reduction in the amount of fly tipped rubbish at hotspot areas across Southampton.

The successful trial of three units has also resulted in the issuing of £400 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to a number of offenders, with further cases also under investigation.

The city council also continues to pursue large scale or repeat fly tippers with the aim of securing heavy fines or prison sentences. Smaller scale instances of fly tipping, including those recently captured by the CCTV units that have been located at some of the recycling bank areas around the city, have been dealt with via Fixed Penalty Notices.

The solar battery-operated cameras can easily be moved depending on need and will be deployed in other key areas of the city in the coming months. Drummond Drive, Westridge Road car park, and Green Park car park in Wimpson Lane were all suffering large scale, frequent fly tipping before the CCTV signage and cameras were installed, with a marked reduction at the sites since their introduction.

A new Environmental Protection Officer for the city has also just been appointed, increasing the team to four members.