The council’s community protection team is now able to more easily gather information about illegal waste disposal in areas not easily and safely accessed on foot, thanks to a new drone.

The drone has already helped to gather evidence of fly-tipping at remote spots, and on the full extent of illegal waste disposal which is not clearly seen at ground level.

The community protection team uses the drone to investigate following reported incidents of fly-tipping and other similar issues. The drone, which is operated by a fully trained and accredited pilot, collects high quality footage which will be used to assist in the prosecution of any person carrying out environmental crime.

 

Councillor Barry Durkin, cabinet member roads and regulatory services, 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.”

The drone was purchased through a government grant for projects to help protect the environment. When not being used for investigations by the community protection team the drone is used to support other council departments, such as planning, estate management and ecology, when access is an issue.

We encourage residents and local communities to work with us to tackle fly-tipping. You can report an incident on our council website.