The COUNCIL is making the most out of its new fly-tipping powers, becoming a national leader in issuing on-the-spot fines for waste crime.

As of today (January 4), Waltham Forest council has issued 149 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping.

It has also secured its first prosecution for someone who refused to pay their £400 fine.

In May, the Government gave local authorities the power to issue fines of between £150 and £400 to those caught in the act of fly-tipping.

This saves the council taking offenders to court, as part of efforts to crack down on waste crime.

Unlike some councils in London and across the country, Waltham Forest has also refused to reduce fines for early payments.

Anyone caught red-handed can expect to pay a bill for the full £400.

The first on-the-spot fine for fly-tipping in the borough was issued on June 29, after three men were caught on CCTV dumping a sofa in Leytonstone.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

This muck was discovered today next to the popular beauty spot of Highams Park lake

Since then, the council has demanded a total of £59,600 from 149 FPNs.

Councils across the country have issued hundreds of fines totalling more than £430,000 for fly-tipping since they were given these new powers for on-the-spot penalties.

The council says the money goes towards helping clear and disposing of the fly-tips, reducing the burden on law abiding council taxpayers.

Cllr Clyde Loakes said: “We are at the forefront in using these powers to punish enviro-criminals.

“In 2017 we will be looking to work with others in local and national government to push for the courts to be tougher on penalties they issue to enviro-criminals.”

The top five councils for using the powers are all London boroughs, with Newham and Waltham Forest issuing the most.

Local Government Association environment spokesman Martin Tett said: "At a time when councils face difficult choices about services in the light of reducing budgets, they are having to spend a vast amount each year on tackling litter and fly-tipping.

"This is money that would be better spent on vital services such as filling potholes and caring for the elderly.”