Council warns residents that failure to pay can lead to prosecution and higher penalties
Two recent cases heard at the Magistrates' Court highlight Colchester City Council's commitment to tackling fly-tipping and taking enforcement action against those who fail to pay Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).
More than £1,200 ordered in fines and costs
In the first case, a Colchester resident was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice after being linked to an alleged fly-tipping offence involving several bags of waste.
In the first case, a Colchester resident was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice after being linked to an alleged fly-tipping offence involving several bags of waste.
After failing to pay the FPN, the case proceeded to court, where the resident was ordered to pay more than £1,200 in fines and costs.
Arrest warrant issued after offender fails to attend court
In a separate case, another Colchester resident failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice for an alleged fly-tipping offence and did not attend court. A warrant for their arrest was subsequently issued.
In a separate case, another Colchester resident failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice for an alleged fly-tipping offence and did not attend court. A warrant for their arrest was subsequently issued.
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: "Our residents take pride in their neighbourhoods and rightly expect them to be clean, safe and free from litter and dumped rubbish.
“Fly-tipping is a selfish crime that spoils our communities and costs taxpayers’ money to clean up. These cases show that Fixed Penalty Notices should not be ignored.
“I want people to understand that choosing not to pay an FPN will not make the problem go away. We will continue to investigate offences and, where necessary, pursue court action. As these cases demonstrate, failing to pay can result in much higher financial penalties and further legal consequences.
“We are committed to protecting our local environment and ensuring that those responsible for fly-tipping are held accountable."
Help us tackle fly-tipping
Colchester City Council encourages residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and ensure that anyone removing waste on their behalf is authorised to do so.
Colchester City Council encourages residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and ensure that anyone removing waste on their behalf is authorised to do so.
Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping or discovers dumped waste can report it via the Colchester City Council website.