Officials could gain police-style powers to tackle fly-tippers

"Ministers say they are looking at allowing environment officers to search premises without a warrant, seize assets and arrest those suspected of criminality. The EA currently brings prosecutions and in the last year there have been 10 immediate custodial sentences and the shut down of over 1,000 illegal waste sites."

"Under new legislation, people caught transporting and dealing with waste illegally will face up to five years in prison. Ministers are looking to expand powers for the Environment Agency and its enforcement officers under existing legislation including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002."

"Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the government is 'taking decisive action' to 'stop waste criminals in their tracks and bring those responsible swiftly to justice'. Ministers would look to introduce the changes when parliamentary time allows."

The government is expanding enforcement powers for Environment Agency officials to tackle fly-tipping and illegal waste dumping in England. Officers would gain police-style authorities including searching premises without warrants, seizing assets, and arresting suspects. Current penalties include up to five years imprisonment for illegal waste transportation and dealing. The EA achieved 10 custodial sentences and closed over 1,000 illegal waste sites last year. Additional measures include penalty points on driving licenses for fly-tipping offenders in England, Scotland, and Wales. These changes will be introduced through existing legislation including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The government's Waste Crime Action Plan will be released following this announcement.

Read at www.bbc.com