THE first £1,000 fine for fly-tipping has been issued and the offender’s vehicle has been crushed after community-led reports helped identify the suspect.

The council says this marks a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against environmental crime, which has been made possible by the vigilant efforts of the local community, and the collaborative work following the implementation of our Litter and Environmental Crime Plan.

Reports of fly-tipped waste on Ben Bank Road, Dodworth, from a local resident led to Neighbourhood Wardens being able to seize a Ford Transit Tipper Van in Sheffield and identify a suspect, who was interviewed under caution.

Following the interview, the suspect was issued with a £300 fine for not having the correct waste carrier’s licence and a further £1,000 for suspected fly tipping. The offender’s vehicle was also crushed today (Monday August 19).

The council’s Litter and Environmental Crime Plan, which was co-produced with community members and volunteers, increased the maximum penalty for fly-tippers from £400 to £1,000 in an effort to deter offenders.

With the support and intel from volunteers and community members, to raise awareness and report fly-tipping, the council says it is pleased to show a united front and strong message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in our borough.

Coun. Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Environmental crime unfortunately remains a blight on our borough but as we have shown with this case, we will identify and punish offenders.

“Thanks to the support of our community, we have been able to issue the first £1,000 fine so quickly after the Litter and Environmental Crime Plan was implemented.

“We hope the increased fixed penalty notice and vehicle crushing sends a strong message that we do not tolerate fly-tipping in our borough both as a council and as a community.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in this case and those who work to keep Barnsley clean and green.”

Coun. James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: “It is unacceptable that individuals take it upon themselves to blight our local areas with fly-tipping.

“Thanks to the introduction of our Environmental Crime and Litter Plan, we are able to take stronger action against environmental crime across Barnsley.

“The increase in the maximum penalty for fly-tipping and other environmental offences allows us to take stronger action against offenders.

“I encourage members of the public to report any instances of fly-tipping so we can continue to target and punish those who commit these crimes in our borough.”