And Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell has encouraged local people to respond to the proposed Scottish Parliament Bill, which would see tougher action on fly tipping.
It seeks to increase sanctions for fly-tipping, including by lifting the current fixed-penalty notice of £200, improve data collection of incidents and to guarantee the person on whose land waste is disposed on is not responsible for its removal. It also proposes a strict liability, which would mean the generator of the waste would be responsible for clearing it up and paying any fines.
If passed, it will improve on current legislation in relation to fly-tipping which dates back to 1990.
The consultation has the backing if organisations including NFU Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates and Oliver wants as many people as possible locally to make their feelings known during the consultation period which runs until May 23. He said: “I am pleased to be backing these plans to crack down on fly-tipping since, all too often, fly-tipping is a scourge on our beautiful landscape and communities in Dumfriesshire.
“It is completely selfish and unacceptable to dump waste at unauthorised locations. It is the public, landowners and our local authorities in Dumfriesshire who are left to pick up the mess.
“This new bill is essential for strengthening current laws against fly-tipping which stretch back decades.
“I would encourage everyone locally to get involved during the consultation process in the coming weeks and months and make their feelings known.
“I also hope that this sensible piece of legislation will secure cross-party backing from my fellow MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.”
Responses can be made by visiting www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/proposals-for-bills/proposed-fly-tipping-scotland-bill.”
