PLANS to seize the vehicles of people caught fly-tipping have won the support of the Country Land and Business Association in the North.

The proposals are contained in a consultation document from the government which is determined to crack down on the problem which often leaves landowners with huge bills to remove illegally dumped waste.

Dorothy Fairburn, CLA North regional director, said: “Fly-tipping blights the countryside and is a serious issue for farmers and landowners, who are not only liable for any waste fly-tipped on their land, but can also be prosecuted if they do not clear it away.

“It costs rural businesses up to £150m in clean up costs every year. If new powers can reduce it by as little as two percent, we are optimistic this could lead to at least £15m of savings every five years for private landowners.”

Miss Fairburn said she supported more power for enforcement authorities to seize any vehicle involved in fly-tipping.

“Fly-tipping is often conducted by organised criminal gangs and we have called for culprits to be dealt with more robustly for years," she said. "We see the power to remove vehicles as a positive step forward in reducing incidences of fly-tipping.

“These measures should come into force as soon as possible and must be backed up by the police and councils treating the catching of offenders as a local priority.”