Car accident claim news
20/05/2010

Fly-tipping costing the country and the motorist millions

Fly-tipping is costing the country a clean-up bill of nearly £1.5 million a year. Not only is it illegal and a danger to wildlife, fly-tipping can also put you at an increased chance of having to make a car accident claim for a car crash.

County Durham was found to be the worst hit area in the country for the problem with £522,388 spent on rubbish removal during the last financial year.

Head of Durham County Council's direct services said, "We will continue to work with our partners on a mix of education, awareness and enforcement."

Fly-tipping on roadsides can be potentially very dangerous to motorists as drivers try to avoid waste obstructing their carriageway, putting them in the path of oncoming traffic.

The Environment Agency said that part of the problem was that courts are limited in the punishments which they can give to convicted fly-tippers. In some situations the biggest fine they can issue is just £50 to £100.

Motorists are urged to report any fly-tipping obstructions to the roadway either to the police if it is on a main road, or to their local authority which are responsible for keeping the roadways clear.

Quick removal of waste on roads can prevent car accident claims having to be made.