State-of-the-art cameras are being installed on the Barnfield Estate in Plumstead, as part of a council crackdown on illegal rubbish dumping.  

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has commissioned DG Cities to design and implement a behaviour change and innovation campaign to tackle illegal fly-tipping in the area. 

Barnfield Estate has 600 homes, 1,800 residents, and is surrounded by three main roads. Fly-tipping on the estate and the surrounding area has become a serious problem and occurs in several “hotspots” which the Council regularly has to clear, at a cost to taxpayers.  

In 2020-2021, Barnfield Estate experienced 169 fly-tipping incidents which nearly tripled in number to 453 in 2021-2022, and included small and large items, including mattresses, televisions and furniture. 

The smart cameras will provide robust data and evidence to help the Council monitor fly-tipping cases and prosecute criminals. Smart cameras are motion sensor activated, so images are only captured when someone is in the area where fly-tipping usually occurs. The images captured are also high resolution, making it much easier for criminals to be identified.  

Anyone caught fly-tipping will receive a fine of up to £400.  

As well as installing state-of-the-art cameras, the project has also focussed on making it easier for residents to get rid of their bulky waste by streamlining the process to further reduce fly-tipping and its impact.  

Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said: “Barnfield Estate is prone to fly-tipping, and our aim with this innovative project is to ensure our borough is kept clean, tidy and safe for everyone. These smart cameras will not only capture fly-tippers but any other anti-social and criminal behaviour that take place within their range."

“We take a zero-tolerance approach and are committed to catching and prosecuting the few criminals selfishly dumping rubbish at the expense of the wider community.” 

Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness said: “It’s time to clamp down on illegal waste dumping. These new smart cameras will help reduce fly-tipping by fining those who are caught red-handed.” 

Trevor Dorling, Managing Director of DG Cities, said:  

“DG Cities are pleased to be working closely with the Council’s housing and enforcement teams to apply innovative techniques to reduce fly-tipping in the community. By combining smart camera technology with behaviour change messages, we can tailor our approach towards different groups, from making it easier for residents and local businesses to dispose of bulky waste, to cracking down on illicit fly-tipping.”