Published on Wednesday 29 January 2025
Following a six-month review, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is proposing to update its policy to address fly-tipping so that it strikes the right balance when it comes to issuing fines.
The proposal follows a six-month review of the current fine levels and is being brought forward in direct response to feedback from residents, and to reflect new statutory guidance issued by central government.
Under the proposed plans, fines for fly-tipping could be reduced depending on the level of impact caused by leaving those items on roads and pavements.
The proposed changes reflect the importance to deter fly-tipping but also recognise the strength of feeling from local communities who have challenged the current approach. Specifically, people have raised concerns about the £1,000 blanket fine that is currently applied under the existing policy.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, said:
"We are fortunate to live in an area boasting such natural beauty, and it is crucial we protect it by addressing issues like fly-tipping. We know this is important to our residents, who want to live and work in clean and clutter-free neighbourhoods.
“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.
“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.
“I would also like to be clear that items left out for free or collection on public land, such as the pavement, are considered as fly-tipping. I encourage residents to only display goods on their own private land, or else you risk a fine.”
A report set to be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 5 February 2025, recommends an updated approach that will make sure we have safe and pleasant environments for communities. It includes a reduction in fines to £300 for items left outside a residential home, or £600 if serious obstruction is caused.
Serious obstruction means leaving less than 1.2m of space for people to suitably pass, for example leaving items that prevent pavement access for those with mobility challenges or parents with prams.
Any waste or item intentionally left on the road and pavement is illegal and considered as fly-tipping. The proposal is also clear that people still risk a £1,000 fine if they are caught fly-tipping away from their home or commercial address.
The proposed policy will be considered by BCP Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 5 February at the forthcoming Cabinet meeting.
More information is available in the Cabinet Report.