ALMOST 30 fly-tipping incidents have seen people issued with the maximum £400 by Sandwell Council since a new rapid enforcement team was set up in May.

Out of the 27 fines handed out across the borough, two were made in Oldbury and one in Rowley Regis, all due to black bags being dumped in the street.

Since the fly-tipping crackdown was launched, reports of incidents have fallen sharply too, decreasing 13 per cent (2,047 to 1,788) from May 1 to August 31 this year compared to the same months in 2016.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “The combination of rapid enforcement and putting cameras in hotspots seems to be making a real difference.

“Fly-tipping is unsightly and anti-social. There really is no excuse for dumping rubbish on our streets and open spaces. I hope the message is now hitting home that fly-tippers will be fined.”

Cllr Costigan claims fly-tipping was also an unnecessary financial burden on the council taxpayer, with the council having to deal with illegally dumped waste at a cost of more than £300,000 a year.

Fly-tipping can be reported to the council online at www.sandwell.gov.uk/flytipping, or by calling 0121 368 1177.

The new enforcement team also provides information and advice to residents on how to appropriately dispose of their waste as householders could also face prosecution and an unlimited fine if they give their waste to someone who then illegally dumps it.

The council’s tip in Shidas Lane, Oldbury, is open seven days a week and there is a bulky waste collection service.