Just one per cent of fly tipping incidents led to prosecutions according to the latest available figures obtained by the Welsh Conservatives.
Councils across Wales only took 645 incidents to court out of the 54,841 recorded in 2006/7, a fall on the previous 12 months.
Shadow Environment Minister Darren Millar, who obtained the figures, described the news as “pathetic” and “troubling”.
The Clwyd West AM today claimed the figures highlighted the Assembly Government’s abject failure to take the lead on illegal waste dumping.
Mr Millar said Environment Minister Jane Davidson must work with local councils to ensure they have sufficient resources to prosecute fly tippers.
Figures published last month revealed that incidents of fly tipping rose even higher last year – with 61,000 cases reported in 2007/8.
According to the information obtained by Welsh Conservatives:
The total number of fly tipping incidents rose from 43,958 to 54,841 between 2005/6 and 2006/7.
The number has topped 60,000 last year
- The number and percentage of prosecutions for fly tipping fell between 2005/6 and 2006/7
- 10 councils failed to prosecute anyone for fly tipping, including issuing fixed penalty notices
- Cardiff council had the highest number of fly tipping incidents in 2006-7 (21,792) yet did not prosecute anyone
- Newport council had the lowest number of fly tipping incidents in 2006-7 – though the number is almost twice as high as the previous 12 months
Shadow Environment Minister Darren Millar AM said:
“Under Labour fly tipping has got progressively worse despite all their rhetoric about trying to improve things. Fly tipping is an environmental hazard and blights communities across Wales.
“The gradual erosion of weekly domestic bin collections and over-zealous rules on waste disposal has made it harder for families to dispose of their rubbish responsibly.
“These figures show in the clearest possible terms how councils are losing the fight against fly tipping.
“They also highlight a worryingly low number of prosecutions. The total number of cases brought to court is pathetic and troubling.
“It is all very well for the government wishing to appear to be tough on grime and tough on the causes of grime.
“The Assembly Government already has existing powers at its disposal to deal with issues such as fly tipping, yet these figures show they are just not being used effectively.
“The Assembly Government needs to work with councils to make it easier for people to recycle or dispose of their waste.
“Ministers also need to support councils in their efforts to prosecute offenders, sending out a clear message that their illegal activities will not be tolerated.”