Spy cameras linked to the DVLA driver database are being deployed at dozens more rubbish tips to check if families are flouting waste rules, it emerged last night. (Daily Mail Friday 4th January 2008)
The cameras read number plates, record what is being dumped and log how many times a vehicle visits a dump. This allows councils to monitor exactly who is using their tips, opening the way for illegal dumpers to be hit by huge fines or even jail.
But critics say the scheme will encourage fly-tipping as residents seek to dodge the cameras, which are normally used by police to track down car thieves.
The Daily Mail can reveal the number of councils installing the spy cameras has doubled in a year, with more expected to follow this year.Last night civil liberties groups criticised the trend towards surveillance, saying attempts to control refuse disposal have become too intrusive.
