Cardiff fly-tippers to be targeted with covert cameras

Image source, Cardiff Council

Image caption, Cardiff Council is hoping hidden cameras can put an end to scenes like this

Infrared cameras are to be used at known fly-tipping hotspots in a bid to catch unscrupulous offenders.

Cardiff Council's cabinet approved a move which will see some cameras installed covertly.

The council estimates cleaning up fly-tipped waste costs taxpayers 拢230,000 each year.

Under new legislation the council will be able to issue 拢400 fixed penalty notices for small-scale incidents by first-time offenders.

Currently all offenders must be taken to court and can be fined up to 拢50,000 or sent to prison for up to 12 months if found guilty.

Image source, Cardiff Council

Image caption, Fly-tipping such as this costs the council 拢230,000 a year

The new rules are "more proportionate", according to councillor Michael Michael, but he warned that it would still take offenders to court if necessary.

"We will be trialling different types of infrared camera which can be used overtly and covertly to catch fly tipping in action," he said.