AI CCTV camera tower installed in West Northamptonshire to combat fly-tipping
High-tech surveillance aims to deter illegal waste dumping and catch repeat offenders
A new AI-powered CCTV camera tower has been installed in West Northamptonshire to tackle fly-tipping, as part of ongoing efforts by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).
The specialist technology, fitted by Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS), is part of a partnership with WNC aiming to deter illegal waste dumping while identifying and prosecuting offenders. The camera tower has been placed in a rural hotspot and is designed to combat environmental crimes that cost taxpayers thousands of pounds.
The camera system features automatic number plate recognition software, covers all angles, and operates 24/7. Trained CCTV operatives monitor the footage to detect illegal activity, and any evidence gathered will be used in investigations and prosecutions.
Between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025, West Northamptonshire Council cleared 21,304 fly-tips, costing significant amounts from the public purse. The council has stated that it uses a variety of measures to address fly-tipping and littering, including issuing fixed penalties of up to the legal maximum of £1,000 for fly-tipping, and pursuing prosecution in more severe cases.
Cllr Andrew Last, WNC’s Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, said:
“Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime that damages our communities, harms wildlife, and costs taxpayers thousands to clean up. This new AI CCTV tower sends a clear message: we will not tolerate illegal dumping in West Northamptonshire. As a Council we’re taking proactive steps to protect our landscapes and hold offenders accountable.”
Fly-tipping continues to increase across the country. Figures for 2023/24 show that local councils in England dealt with a record 1.15 million fly-tipping cases, marking a 6% rise from the previous year. The growing problem of larger ‘tipper lorry load’ cases alone cost England’s councils £13.1 million to resolve last year.
Kingdom LAS Chief Services Officer John Roberts expressed optimism about the new measures in West Northamptonshire.
“We are pleased to be working with West Northamptonshire Council to support their efforts in tackling fly-tipping across the area through the installation of our AI cameras,” Roberts said.
“Fly-tipping is becoming more common across England, and our camera systems help tackle waste dumping in known fly-tipping hotspots and catch offenders.”
Results from similar installations by Kingdom LAS in Dartford, Kent, show that the use of CCTV towers helped achieve a 96% reduction in fly-tipping incidents and a 99% decrease in related complaints.
The AI camera tower will remain in operation for the next 12 months at various locations across West Northamptonshire. Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping incidents or other environmental offences via the council’s website or mobile app.