Fly-tipping halved following contribution of Smart Tag technology funded by PCC

Illegal dumping blights communities, but funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has contributed to fly-tipping incidents decreasing by 50% in Telford & Wrekin over the past year.

Innovative Smart Tags, funded by the PCC to the tune of £10,000, are making a real difference in the region with local garages deploying the technology to mark tyres, using an invisible but forensically traceable liquid.

The tags recorded enables local councils, who are working in close partnership with West Mercia Police and Detertech, to easily trace illegally dumped tyres back to the garages responsible and prevent garages from being targeted by organised criminals to illegally dispose of tyres.

As part of the PCC’s commitment to build a more secure West Mercia, as set out in his Safer West Mercia Plan, he is also investing £100,000 to tackle fly-tipping across the three counties.

PCC John Campion said: “I am delighted to see the brilliant results from the innovative Smart Tag project.

“I have listened and delivered on calls from residents to ensure this issue is properly addressed by the police and local partners. I remain committed to reducing fly-tipping, increasing enforcement and improving outcomes for victims – supporting my Safer West Mercia Plan.

“I encourage garages across West Mercia that haven’t signed up, to do so as you can see the massive impact it is making to reduce fly-tipping in Telford & Wrekin.”