Sutton Council has partnered with the technology communications company, Vodafone, to install cameras in order to catch and prevent people from fly-tipping.
Fly-tipping is a problem that is on the rise, attracting rats and mice, as well as encouraging further fly-tipping and other anti-social behaviour.
Following a recent consultation on street cleansing, more than three-quarters (77%) of respondents stated that they wanted the Council to take a tougher stance against those who are fly-tipping.
The cameras will be trialled in different locations across the borough for 12 months and are connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) project. The new technology installed will alert the Council when fly-tipping is happening and even help identify the culprits.
Last year there was a monthly average of 319 fly-tips in Sutton reported to the Council.
As part of the South London Partnership’s InnOvaTe Project, the new sensors will be installed in locations across Sutton, including Sutton Housing Partnership-managed areas.
The cameras will inform our enforcement team, who will review any highlighted images and determine if action needs to be taken.
Any enforcement decisions will be made by the team themselves as the cameras do not automatically issue fines or penalties.
Councillor Manuel Abellan, Chair of the Environment & Sustainable Transport Committee at Sutton Council, said:
“The Council’s SCRAP IT campaign last year showed residents that we are committed to tackling the problem of fly-tipping around Sutton.
“It is important that we continue the hard work to make Sutton cleaner and safer. As part of the Council’s ambitious plans to support the borough’s recovery after Covid, this exciting and innovative technology will be another way of making sure residents can enjoy working, living and spending time in the borough.”
Nick Gliddon, Business Director at Vodafone, said:
“Councils need low cost, easy to deploy solutions like this if they’re going to crack problems like fly tipping. We are delighted to support Sutton council with our smart cameras and IoT network.”
