Herefordshire Council has begun to use a drone to gather information about fly tipping in areas that are not easily and safely accessed on foot.
It said the drone has already provided evidence of the extent of illegal waste disposal in remote spots.
The council’s community protection team has been using the drone, which is operated by an accredited pilot, to investigate reported incidents by collecting footage that could be used the prosecution of any person committing and environmental crime.
Protecting environment
Cabinet member for roads and regulatory services Cllr Barry Durkin said: “It’s important we protect our outstanding natural environment, and we will use all the technology we can to do this. The new drone is already proving to be a valuable tool in supporting our community protection team to investigate reports of waste being dumped illegally.
“So our message is clear to anyone thinking they can dispose of waste or carry out any illegal activities in any area where they think that it will go undetected – we won’t hesitate to use our Eye in the Sky to protect Herefordshire.”
When not being used by the community protection team the drone is used by other council departments – including planning, estate management and ecology – that can find access to sites can be a difficult issue.
