A DRONE is being used to catch fly-tippers in Herefordshire.

It has already helped to gather evidence of fly-tipping at remote spots, and on the full extent of illegal waste disposal which is not clearly seen at ground level.

Herefordshire Council's community protection team uses the drone to investigate following reported incidents of fly-tipping and other similar issues.

ALSO READ:

It is operated by a fully trained and accredited pilot, and collects high quality footage which will be used to assist in the prosecution of any person carrying out environmental crime.

Councillor Barry Durkin, cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, said: “It’s important we protect our outstanding natural environment, and we will use all the technology we can to do this.

"The new drone is already proving to be a valuable tool in supporting our community protection team to investigate reports of waste being dumped illegally.

"So our message is clear to anyone thinking they can dispose of waste or carry out any illegal activities in any area where they think that it will go undetected – we won’t hesitate to use our eye in the sky to protect Herefordshire.”
 

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

The drone was purchased through a government grant for projects to help protect the environment. When not being used for investigations by the community protection team. it is used to support other council departments, such as planning, estate management and ecology, when access is an issue.

In a freedom of information request sent by the Hereford Times, Herefordshire Council sAid there were 924 reports of fly-tipping in Herefordshire last year, with the Dinedor Hill ward being the most prolific area with 50. 

 

Other hotspots included Penyard (46), Ross North (35), Wormside (35) and Ledbury South (33).

Of these, 227 were investigated by Herefordshire Council, with half (114) being in the Central ward area of Hereford. However, only 11 (4.84 per cent) have led to prosecutions. 

In the Crown Court, the maximum penalty is five years in jail and/or an unlimited fine. Whereas in the magistrates, anyone convicted of fly-tipping can be fined an unlimited amount, jailed for 12 months, or sent to the Crown Court for a more severe penalty.