Residents are being reminded again of the importance of responding to legal enquiries, as part of the council’s ongoing campaign to stop fly-tipping.
The warning follows the prosecution of a resident who failed to respond to legal enquiry notices as part of a fly-tipping investigation. A male was seen dumping green waste from a vehicle on the pavement in Barnfield Road, St Paul’s Cray in August 2024. As part of the investigation, notices were sent to the vehicle owner, requiring him to provide the details of the driver of the vehicle and the individual responsible for the fly-tipping.
When no response was received to the notices, prosecution followed. Robert James, of Wagtail Way, St Paul’s Cray, was found guilty of failing to respond to two Section 108 Notices, served on him under the Environment Act 1995, and was fined £440 and ordered to pay £423 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £176.
A council spokesperson said, “Fly-tipping continues to be an issue, which is both unsightly and can be dangerous. The council is committed to clearing dumped rubbish and investigating these incidents. If an enquiry letter is received, it is important to respond to it, not just to help with the investigation but also because it is an offence not to and prosecution will follow.”
Fly-tipping problems can quickly and easily be reported on the council’s website. Photographs can also be included in these reports. However, in emergencies, when a road is completely blocked for instance, fly-tipping should be reported by phone so that priority attention can be given.
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Notes to editors:
The defendant, Robert James, was proved guilty at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on 7 January 2025 as part of a Single Justice Procedure of failing to comply with Section 108 of the Environment Act 1995.
For media enquiries, please contact David Aderogba, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8466 3060 or email david.aderogba@bromley.gov.uk.