A Teesside MP has called for tougher enforcement measures and the installation of CCTV after a “horrendous” incident of fly-tipping in Sadberge sparked anger among residents.
Matt Vickers said the scale of the dumping in the Darlington village was “completely unacceptable” and warned stronger deterrents are needed to prevent further incidents.
Photos shared by the MP on social media show large quantities of waste discarded in the rural area, prompting concerns about the impact on the environment and the cost of clean-up.
Mr Vickers is now urging Darlington Borough Council to install CCTV cameras in known fly-tipping hotspots to help identify and prosecute offenders.
His proposals include giving councils stronger enforcement powers, increasing fines, and introducing penalty points on driving licences for those convicted of fly-tipping offences. He has also suggested that repeat or serious offenders could face disqualification from driving.
Stockton’s Conservative MP Matt Vickers said:
“This kind of behaviour is disgraceful. It damages our countryside, costs taxpayers money, and shows a complete disregard for local communities.
“We need stronger deterrents and better enforcement to stop this happening again.
“If you use a vehicle to commit environmental crime, there should be consequences for your ability to drive. That’s how we send a clear message that this won’t be tolerated.”
The MP is also pushing for tougher penalties at a national level, having proposed an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill during its passage through Parliament.
Mr Vickers said linking environmental crimes to driving penalties would act as a stronger deterrent, particularly as vehicles are often used to carry out fly-tipping.
Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activity to the council as efforts continue to tackle the issue.
