We’re taking action - CCTV cameras installed on key points of A585 Windy Harbour bypass to catch fly-tippers
CCTV cameras have been installed on a stretch of bypass in a bid to catch fly-tippers.
Lancashire’s A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool bypass is already delivering safer, smoother and more reliable journeys along the Wyre estuary — and is also one of the greenest roads we’ve ever built.
But since opening in March 2024, parts of the new road and nearby areas have sadly been hit by fly tipping and littering.
Some dumped waste has included dangerous asbestos, requiring costly specialist removal.
Other rubbish dumped so far has included tyres, building waste and even children’s toys.
In a bid to deter and identify the culprits, staff have installed CCTV cameras at key points along and around the three-mile route – leading to an immediate reduction in incidents.
Daniel Moore, a National Highways’ project manager on the new A585 bypass, said: “Almost as soon as we’d opened the bypass fly-tipping started at locations along and around the new road. It is incredibly frustrating and expensive for us to have to spend our time and taxpayers’ money tackling fly-tipped rubbish – money being diverted away from our core work like improving our roads.
“Since we have installed these CCTV cameras we have had no further incidents – so it’s a good news story in a way - but we’ll have no hesitation in using footage to identify and support the prosecution of culprits.”
Freda Rashdi, Head of Customer Journeys at National Highways added: “Clearing litter from our roads causes unnecessary journey delays and costs the taxpayer millions of pounds a year, as well as endangering wildlife living close to our roads.
“Our message is really simple, littering of any kind is completely unacceptable. Putting your rubbish in the bin doesn’t just help us keep the roads moving and keep other drivers safe, it goes a long way to protecting wildlife and the environment.”
What happens if you are caught fly-tipping and how much can you be fined?
Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence, often resulting in Fixed Penalty Notices ranging from £300 to £1,000, or prosecution leading to unlimited fines and up to five years in prison. Offenders may also face vehicle seizure, driving licence points, or community service