Police concerned at rise in fly-tipping incidents across Highlands

An increase in fly-tipping across the Highlands and Islands has been observed by police.

Officers say they are seeing a rise in the number of social media posts advertising ‘man with a van’ and ‘dump run’ type services.

The operators often dump waste in rural areas as they don’t have the correct paperwork to dispose of it properly.

Police Scotland said: ” If you contract a ‘man with a van’ to do your ‘dump run’ there are some simple checks you can do. Does the operator have a SEPA licence?

“All waste carriers are required to hold a licence. Does the operator have a waste carrier’s receipt to pass you?”

Police say a licensed trader will have a receipt book to produce a chain of evidence for disposal.

Fines for fly-tipping could be more than doubled under new proposals under consideration. It comes after a consultation was launched in December on a new national litter and fly-tipping strategy.

The strategy includes a move to increase fines from £200 to £500 – which is the maximum permitted under current legislation.

The consultation, which runs until March 31, also seeks views on several other measures aimed at clamping down on littering and fly-tipping, including improving data and and strengthening enforcement.