Coventry declares war on fly-tippers as locals say ‘no excuse’.

Around £420,000 will be invested in the worst-affected areas of Coventry, with funds spread across different programs.

Coventry City Council is boosting up its fight against fly-tipping with a £420,000 financial injection targeting at the city’s worst affected districts. Coventry Live readers are sceptical that this will resolve the issue.

The money will be used to establish a new rapid-response “fly-tipping squad” in Ball Hill, increase CCTV coverage at recognised dumping hotspots, and improve street cleaning.

Six further cameras will be added over the following four years, bringing the total number to 30, at an estimated cost of £80,000.

Over the last year, council teams have received over 11,000 allegations of fly-tipping and investigated more than 3,000 cases. They’ve also ordered landowners to clean garbage and control vermin, and fines for offenders have been upped from £200 to £1,000.

ClIr Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities, stated, “Fly-tipping blights our communities, and we are fully committed to addressing this issue head on. We’re listening to people’ concerns and taking decisive action.”

ClIr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, added, “Every day, our incredible crews go out and clean up rubbish and fly-tipped debris. It’s an ongoing war, but we’re determined to win.

Fly-tipping is a genuine and persistent problem, and we must work together to create long-term solutions.” The council plans to focus on both enforcement and education, collaborating with community groups such as Destination Ball Hill and local litter pickers.

It is also collaborating with West Midlands Police, the Fire Service, and Citizen Housing, with cleanups previously conducted in Hillfields and Binley, with Wood End next on the agenda.

Commenter Chopper10000 suggests: “Perhaps lowering the fee of the bulk item collection service would be beneficial?

Due to the cost of living problem, those on low incomes and seniors may find the current £18.50 too costly to pay, and they may not have transit to get to the tip.

If its A £1,000 punishment may not be enough to discourage builders/contractors from doing it. Also, the cameras are needed today, not in four years.” Paulh122 doesn’t agree:

“The fee for bulk collections of household items is extremely good value and is no excuse for fly tipping.” Mouse111 believes that there is no purpose in investing that much money if they do not take people to court and demand large penalties to help pay for the cameras.

To show guilt, they would need to be the greatest cameras on the market.

Cov jez concludes, “I doubt it will do any benefit since CCC installed a no right turn camera from Britan Road to Walsgrave Road a few years ago, yet they still turn right, and I guarantee they are not penalised.”

Uckemall concurs: “I suspect it would be far cheaper to simply offer a collection service.” Petervic adds, “Many many years ago, I remember the council arranging for residents to put out big things, which were collected for free. It was astonishing what was produced.

2414 is convinced: “Anyone who reports fly-tipping, leading to a court case and a hefty fine, should receive a reward.” TomMac agrees:

“With over 11,000 phone calls and emails and only 3,000 cases investigated, it’s no surprise that fly-tipping is out of control.” Offer a £50 incentive for clear film of offenders and their vehicles, and then seek restitution in court alongside the fines.

You’d soon have a large number of vigilant residents eager to assist, and fly-tipping would be eliminated.”

Ac16 asks: “How about allowing folks to utilise the tip as needed rather than having to schedule an appointment?

“That would significantly reduce fly tipping.” Jase1971! The plan is liked: “Great news, can’t wait for the first conviction by the council!”

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