Resident prosecuted for fly-tipping the same item in two areas of Thanet

A Thanet resident has been successfully prosecuted for fly-tipping the same item in two different areas of the district.

The abandoned item, a fridge freezer, was initially photographed on 24 February 2023 by a Thanet District Council Street Scene Enforcement Officer, having been left on the pavement of Cuthbert Road, Westgate-on-Sea.

On 4 March 2023, CCTV captured images of the same appliance being left on Athelstan Road in Margate. The car used to fly-tip the fridge freezer was clearly visible. Kent Police were then able to use the CCTV footage to carry out a vehicle check. The owner was identified as a resident of Cuthbert Road, Westgate-on-Sea.

Appearing at Folkestone Magistrate Court this April, the resident admitted fly-tipping and was ordered to pay £520. This included a fine of £300, £100 court costs and a £120 victim surcharge. 

This successful prosecution was possible due to the collaborative efforts of Kent Police and Thanet District Council’s Street Scene Enforcement team.

In February 2024, the council’s Cabinet approved a new proposal intended to crack down on fly-tipping. This increased the maximum fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000 from Monday 1 April. 

Mike Humber, Director for Environment at Thanet District Council, said: 

“Residents can be confident that keeping our district safe and clean is a top priority for the council, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.

“In support of our commitment to keeping Thanet clean and safe for all, the maximum fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping in our area has recently been increased. 

“Fines are a necessary last resort. It would be preferable if people didn’t fly-tip in the first place and disposed of their waste via a legal route. Fly-tipping impacts us all, and we all have a role to play in keeping Thanet clean and free from rubbish.”

Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping incidents via an online form on the council’s website, where they can view updates on the status of their complaints. 

Further information on waste duty of care, the bulky waste collection service, and responsible ways to dispose of waste is available on the council’s website.

Residents can also take their rubbish to a Household Waste Recycling Centre, and details of these, and how to book a slot, are available on the Kent County Council website.