NEW mobile CCTV cameras have caught several fly-tippers in the act at Worth Valley hotspots.

Bradford Council says the equipment has resulted in a number of offenders, filmed dumping rubbish in and around Oxenhope, being landed with £400 fixed penalty notices or court prosecutions.

Councillors earlier this year approved an extra £300,000 in the budget to fight environment crime, which included the investment in additional cameras.

Since then, environmental enforcement officers have utilised the equipment at known problem areas to catch culprits red-handed.

Precise figures for fixed penalty notices and prosecutions will be collated later in the year, but the council has welcomed the initial success of the cameras.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places, said: “Fly-tipping is a national problem, but we are determined to try to stem the tide.

“Every penny we spend combating this illegal behaviour is putting an extra burden on our council tax payers and taking money which could be used for other essential services. But it is becoming clear that these cameras have been a very sound investment and we are getting some good results already.

“We will do everything we can to build on this recent success and take the fight to those anti-social elements who seek to damage our environment and our communities. There are plenty of ways to dispose of extra waste legally and cheaply so there is no need for rubbish to be dumped. The extra CCTV cameras will give us the opportunity to prevent more fly-tippers getting away with their crimes.”

Worth Valley councillor, Rebecca Poulsen, said rural parts of the ward had been badly impacted by fly-tipping and she welcomed the early success of the new cameras.

“We have lobbied long and hard for more enforcement action in this area and are really pleased that the mobile cameras are proving successful,” she said.

“I hope this sends out a clear message that fly-tipping is totally unacceptable behaviour and that the cameras act as a deterrent to anyone who may be tempted to commit an offence – you are being watched.

“I would encourage the council to keep investing in this and ensure that offenders continue to be prosecuted.”

* Fly-tipping can be reported by calling 01274 431000 or online at bradford.gov.uk.