Covert Camera Catches Fly Tippers in Cornish Layby

Two people have been handed Fixed Penalty Notices after covert surveillance equipment recorded them dumping rubbish in a rural lane near Mevagissey.

Cornwall Council’s Community Protection team installed the camera after receiving multiple complaints from residents about persistent fly tipping.

Two incidents caught on camera

While the camera was in place, it recorded two separate incidents.

The first, in August, involved a man throwing a box of broken eggs and other items covered in egg goo into the layby. He admitted the offence and received a £250 Fixed Penalty Notice for littering.

The second incident, in October, involved a man dumping several black bags that were later confirmed to contain garden waste. He admitted dumping waste on two occasions and was issued a £500 Fixed Penalty Notice for fly tipping.

Surveillance at known hotspots

Cornwall Council confirmed that in 2025 the Community Protection team has carried out surveillance in areas identified as fly tipping hotspots. All proposed surveillance operations must be reviewed and signed off by a magistrate before any cameras are installed.

The council said fly tipping is a serious offence, with Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £1,000 for large scale or hazardous dumping and £500 for smaller incidents. The most serious cases can lead to prosecution, unlimited fines and even imprisonment for up to five years. Vehicles used in fly tipping may also be seized and destroyed, and offenders can be ordered to pay clean up and legal costs.

Anyone paying someone to remove waste is reminded to check that the person has a waste carrier’s licence. If the waste ends up being dumped, the person who hired them could also face a fine.

Council statement

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “There is no excuse for dumping rubbish. Fly tipping and littering blights our landscape and costs Cornish taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up each year. Where we have evidence of these offences, we will investigate and take action against those responsible.”

How to report fly tipping

Members of the public are urged to report fly tipped waste through Cornwall Council’s website at Report fly tipping and to upload any evidence that may help identify those responsible.

If a fly tip is blocking a road, it should be reported to the Police by calling 999.

Fly tipping can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at Crimestoppers.