Conservatives pledge points on driving licences for fly-tippers

Fly-tippers could face up to six penalty points on their driving licences, under new proposals by the Conservatives ahead of the general election.

The pledge, which will be included in the party’s election manifesto, is designed to deter low-level offenders, while more serious repeat offences already face large fines and potential prison sentences.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “We will take the bold action needed to crack down on fly-tipping, evict nuisance tenants and stop anti-social behaviour in its tracks so we can build a secure future for everyone across the whole country.”

See also: Fly-tipping on-the-spot fines doubled in Scotland

Under the proposals, fly-tipping will add between three and six points to driving licences.

But currently, prosecution rates for the offence remain very low.

There were more than 1m cases of fly-tipping in England in 2023/23, with 60% of these related to household waste.

Local authorities carried out 532,000 enforcement actions, however only 69,000 fixed-penalty notices were issued alongside 1,491 court fines.

Rural areas are often particularly badly hit by fly-tipping, with many instances taking place on private farmland and gateways.

But oppositon parties attacked the Conservative government’s record on tackling waste crime. 

Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: “This is more empty words from a chaotic Tory Party who have let antisocial behaviour run rampant and let criminals, vandals and fly-tippers get away with it.”

Liberal Democrat local government spokeswoman, Helen Morgan added: “Under their [Conservative] government, fines for littering and fly-tipping are so low that people are being let off scot-free up and down the country.”