A new government crackdown on rural waste crime means that fly-tippers and rogue waste operators could now face up to five years in prison.

Under the new measures, Farmers Weekly writes, "more councils will be empowered to work with police to identify, seize, and destroy vehicles used in fly-tipping offences."

It added: "Drones and mobile CCTV will aid in tracking offenders, while a fast-tracked review aims to cut red tape that has so far limited the use of these powers.

"Announcing the new measures on Tuesday 29 April, Defra secretary Steve Reed said: 'Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long.

"That ends today. I will not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities.'

"The Environment Agency will also receive new resources, funded through waste permits, to tighten enforcement, revoke licences, and carry out identity and criminal record checks on operators – effectively shutting the door on rogue traders."

The new rules follow growing pressure from landowners, MPs and rural communities frustrated by the rise in waste crime.

A recent Country Land and Business Association (CLA) survey found 90% of members had been victims of fly-tipping in the past year, with nearly 40% experiencing six or more incidents.

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More than 75% reported significant financial losses as a result.

Official figures from councils show there are more than 1.1million fly-tipping incidents each year in England, but the CLA believes the real number is much higher, as many cases on private land go unreported.

According to statistics released by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Rutland had 121 incidents of fly-tipping in the 2023-2024 period. Zero of these incidents resulted in prosecutions.

CLA president, Victoria Vyvian, said: "Rural communities have had enough.

"Fly-tipping isn't just a nuisance – it's a serious, organised crime problem, often involving violent gangs.

"Enforcement, including vehicle seizures, must be ramped up across all local authorities, not just a handful."