A specialist CCTV camera that uses ‘AI technology’ has been installed at a fly-tipping hotspot in West Northamptonshire.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has announced a partnership with environmental enforcement firm Kingdom Local Authority Support, which has installed CCTV camera towers at a rural site to deter fly-tipping.
The camera tower will operate for the next 12 months in various locations across the area and capture evidence against people committing environmental crimes.
The footage recorded is monitored by CCTV security operatives trained to detect offences, and the camera is fitted with automatic number plate recognition software.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) says that at a previous CCTV camera installation by Kingdom LAS at several hotspots in Dartford, Kent, contributed towards a 96% reduction in fly-tipping and a 99% reduction in complaints.
Cllr Andrew Last, WNC’s Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, commented: “Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime that damages our communities, harms wildlife, and costs taxpayers thousands to clean up.”
“This new AI CCTV tower sends a clear message: we will not tolerate illegal dumping in West Northamptonshire. As a Council, we’re taking proactive steps to protect our landscapes and hold offenders accountable.”
Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, WNC says it cleared 21,304 fly-tips. Where fixed penalties are given for environmental crimes, WNC issues the maximum amount allowed by current legislation, which is £1,000 for fly-tipping.