Kent police commissioner calls for tougher action on fly-tipping despite new drone initiative
Increased budget and technology aim to tackle waste crime
The fight against fly-tipping in Kent has seen a new initiative with the Environment Agency announcing the use of drones to monitor and gather evidence for prosecution. However, Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, warns that without more substantial action, waste criminals may continue to evade justice.
The Environment Agency is ramping up efforts by increasing its enforcement budget by more than 50% to £15.6 million. This boost supports cutting-edge technology aimed at shutting down illegal waste dumping across the UK.
As part of the crackdown, the agency is deploying a squad of 33 drones, upgraded with laser mapping technology, to locate and record illegal waste sites from the air.
"Illegal waste dumping is appalling, and we are determined to turn the tide on this heinous crime," said Phil Davies, Head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime.
According to the Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, the government is implementing advanced tools, such as laser mapping and drone surveillance, along with new vehicle scanning technology to expose waste criminals.
The upcoming drones will incorporate Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology to create precise maps of waste locations, providing crucial evidence for court proceedings.
Complementing the aerial strategy, a screening tool has been developed to cross-check lorry license applications against waste permit records, flagging suspicious operators before they can illegally move waste.
Despite the advancements, Matthew Scott remarked on the limitations, insisting larger budget and collaborative efforts are essential in dealing with waste crime effectively.
"The new proposals sound tough in theory. However, the Environment Agency's enforcement budget is so small that serious waste criminals are going to carry on getting away with it. We need to see a proper, joined up response that gives residents a single front door for reporting," Scott said.
He emphasized the necessity of collaboration among police forces, councils, and the Environment Agency, suggesting that extra drones alone won't stop problematic lorries.
The expanded Joint Unit for Waste Crime now includes 20 specialists, working with law enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks, contributing to the Environment Agency’s ongoing enforcement actions.