Covert Camera Catches Fly-Tippers in Rural Cornwall Lane

Covert surveillance set up to tackle persistent fly-tipping near Mevagissey has led to two people being issued Fixed Penalty Notices after being caught on camera dumping waste in a remote Cornish layby.

Cornwall Council’s Community Protection team installed the camera following repeated complaints from local residents about ongoing problems in the area. During the period the device was in place, it captured two separate dumping incidents – and in both cases, the offenders were successfully identified through their vehicles.

The first case, recorded in August, involved a man throwing a box of broken eggs and other waste — all smeared in egg residue — into the layby. He later admitted the offence and was issued a £250 penalty for littering.

A second investigation followed an incident in October, when footage showed a man depositing several black refuse sacks. The bags were later found to contain garden waste. The individual confessed to dumping waste on two occasions and received a £500 Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping.

Throughout 2025 the council has increased its use of surveillance in locations repeatedly affected by illegal dumping. Any proposed monitoring must first be authorised by a magistrate before equipment is deployed.

The authority continues to underline the seriousness of fly-tipping. Penalties can reach £1,000 for larger-scale or more hazardous waste offences, while smaller incidents carry fines of up to £500. More severe cases may be prosecuted in court, where offenders face unlimited fines, possible imprisonment of up to five years, and the risk of having their vehicles seized or destroyed. Courts can also order offenders to cover the cost of clean-ups and legal proceedings.

Residents are also reminded to check that anyone they pay to remove waste holds a valid waste carrier licence. If illegally dumped waste is traced back to them, the householder may also be fined.

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, said:
“There is no excuse for dumping rubbish. Fly-tipping and littering blight our landscape and cost 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 via the Cornwall Council website and upload any useful evidence such as photos or video footage.
If waste is obstructing the highway, the incident should be reported to police on 999.

Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.