Shaming a fly-tipping company?

andrewm1981

A bit of a moral dilemma.....

I live in London, and I park my car around the back of some flats which are next to my house, The area is a private car park, but the owner lets anyone park there. It's a little secluded, and there's normally about 25 cars parked there. The car park is an absolute haven for flytipping. At least once a week there's a new pile of wood or builders rubble, which eventually gets cleared by the council. It's really annoying and embarassing. I have friends and family over, I park my car, in the only appropriate place, and have to walk past settees, or piles of rubble.

I saw one van flytipping and filmed them in action. I didn't approach them as it was dark, and they'd seen me arrive in my car which I take great pride in and wouldn't want damaged at a later date.

I informed the council and sent of the video data, but it really feels like there's any lack of interest from them and I can't see the company getting punished. The van had all the company details on the side, and the rubbish they'd left (a full van load) suits their company. Given that theres not much I can do, would posting a couple of negative reviews on review sites (Ive found their check-a-trade page) stating that they are am untrustworthy company, given that they have no respect for local residents or the environment, as they're flytipping locally (within 1 mile of their business address!)

It seems sensible to me, any other ideas about what I can do, or if what I've suggested?

Thanks in advance

Andrew

Johno100

If everything is as you describe then it sounds like a 'slam-dunk' for the council.

Why are you so sure the council is not acting on the information you have provided?

andrewm1981

Yup, filmed them doing it, including reg plate, carrying the waste, and photos of the waste after. I don't think they're acting on it, as i've asked them twice for an update, with not even a reply, plus the waste is still there and hasn't ben removed. Just doesn't seem like the actions of a council that are "on it".

Irrespective of that, any thoughts on the shaming aspect?

GreatBeyond

andrewm1981 wrote: »

Yup, filmed them doing it, including reg plate, carrying the waste, and photos of the waste after. I don't think they're acting on it, as i've asked them twice for an update, with not even a reply, plus the waste is still there and hasn't ben removed. Just doesn't seem like the actions of a council that are "on it".

Irrespective of that, any thoughts on the shaming aspect?

It might be that they are not able to disclose the results and actions stemming from their investigation.

I wouldn't be too concerned with their lack of response although it is frustrating!

peter_the_piper

Our council has a facebook page, maybe an anonymous download of the film on there, embarrass them into action. (not my council that is)

Valli

If it's a privately-owned piece of land why are the council involved at all?

andrewm1981

I wouldn't want to make it hugely obvious that it was me, and from the footage i have it would be obvious it was, so I'd be nervous about posting it online. I'm not good enough to edit myself out.

The council are involved, as they have a responsibility to ensure the streets are clear. It's not "private" as in someones back garden, but more the sort of land that's on the back of a block of flats thats accessed by many people.

agrinnall

Still doesn't sound like it's land that the council have any responsibility for.

Keep_pedalling

It is down to the land owner to clear it, by the council should prosecute where they have evidence.

I would send the video to the local press, I am sure this company would love the publicity.

shaun_from_Africa

What may happen will depend on the council concerned.
The two quotes below are just to show the differences between councils.

Southwark council only say that they will prosecute landowners who don't clear up dumped rubbish:

If the rubbish has been dumped on public or council owned land we'll make sure the rubbish is removed and the crime is investigated by our enforcement officers. We're not able to remove rubbish from private land, but may be able to provide help dealing with landlords who do not clear up rubbish on their land.

but Hillingdon state that they may take action against the flytippers even if on private land:

Private property owners are responsible for their own land and its clearance of any fly tipping and keeping their land in a clean, tidy and sanitary condition. The council will not normally remove items from private land unless in default of a legal notice and at the expense of the property owner. Wherever possible, evidence will be gathered to show who deposited the waste and formal actions through the courts will be taken.

andrewm1981

Thanks for the replies. Merton Council, where I live, have cleared up flytipping many times after I've reported it. They're generally pretty good at that, but not much is happening with this one. The local press seems like an interesting idea though! Hmmmmm