Two of Merton’s serial fly-tipping trucks were caught, confiscated and crushed by the Environment Agency on 20 September, with the help of the new FlyCapture database.

The two trucks, responsible for at least 27 separate incidences across south London, have plagued the borough, costing council tax payers thousands in clear up costs. The new database alerted the Environment Agency of the vehicles after Merton, Croydon, Lambeth and Wandsworth Council all logged reports seeking confiscation of the lorries.

FlyCapture is used by council’s to record fly-tipping incidents enabling the Environment Agency to focus their resources, target hot-spot areas and identify trends. The database was established in April this year with funding from Defra, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

Nationally fly-tipping is on the increase, but with the use of the FlyCapture database Merton Council can see what fly-tipping incidences neighbouring authorities have been dealing with and readily tackle these issues.

Councillor Linda Kirby, Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Quality, said: ‘ I am delighted to hear that the FlyCapture database has helped to identify and confiscate the two vehicles responsible for numerous fly-tipping incidences in Merton.

‘ The illegal dumping of waste is a growing issue that we must tackle. Fly-tipping often involves organised criminals who readily move from one borough to another. FlyCapture is a good example of the Environment Agency and local authorities working together to combat fly-tipping.’

To report fly tipping in your area please contact Merton’s Enforcement Team on 020 8274 4902

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