A couple from Swindon have been issued with fixed penalty notices (FPNs) totalling £3,000, after being caught on CCTV cameras fly-tipping in the Wiltshire Council area.

Covert CCTV cameras, set up by Wiltshire Council’s Environmental Enforcement team on a quiet, rural road near Royal Wootton Bassett captured the couple fly-tipping on two separate occasions.

On each occasion, the dumped waste consisted of piles of cardboard and plastic, plus rotten food waste, all of which came from a commercial business.

Officers were able to trace the couple after their vehicle and registration was also captured in the footage. When interviewed, the couple claimed to be unaware that it was illegal to dump their waste in this way.

All fines have been paid in full. As FPNs are not court convictions, the couple involved cannot be publicly named.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said: “Fly-tipping is not only unsightly, it is also illegal and we are committed to tackling those who choose to dump their waste in this way.

“Anyone caught fly-tipping can be ordered to pay a £1,000 fixed penalty notice or be taken to court, where they could face an unlimited fine or imprisonment.

“As part of our We’re Targeting Fly-tippers campaign in Wiltshire, we not only fine or prosecute offenders but also to educate people in the correct way to dispose of their waste. In this case, the business owners should dispose of their waste through registered waste carriers.”

To find out more about how the council is tackling fly-tipping in Wiltshire and how to report fly-tipping, people should visit: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping.