CAMERAS have been deployed across north Wiltshire to catch nuisance fly-tippers red-handed.

Wiltshire Council is stepping up its camera operations in the county to tackle a growing problem with people dumping their rubbish illegally.

Between the months of January to April 2016, Wiltshire Council received 1,111 reports of fly-tipping.

To reduce this number, cameras will be deployed at known hotspots.

Fly tipping is a criminal offence which leaves the offender liable to a maximum fine of £50,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

Philip Whitehead cabinet member for highways and transport said: “We are going to crack down on this illegal activity as we hear many complaints about those who fly tip and litter our roads and countryside.

“This proactive course of action will add to the sterling work that our enforcement officers do to combat these crimes.

“The financial penalties for ignoring the law are severe and our hope is that the work we’re doing will see the problem reduce significantly.”

The increase in enforcement action comes at a time when the government is introducing a new fixed penalty notice of up to £400 for fly-tipping offences.

This fixed penalty adds another enforcement option as an alternative to bringing a prosecution, meaning that the range of penalties available for fly-tipping are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

The council has also recommended using the My Wiltshire app for all reports of fly-tipping as these will be passed direct to enforcement officers for assessment.

This will ensure fly-tipping incidents are investigated promptly.

Alternatively, residents can telephone the main council number on 0300 456 0100 to report the incident and a member of the customer service team will complete the report in the My Wiltshire system.