Fly-tippers in Hitchin and across North Herts could now face fines of up to £1,000 as the council steps up efforts to tackle environmental crime.

North Herts Council's Community Safety team can issue the increased Fixed Penalty Notices as an alternative to prosecuting offenders through the courts.

Those who pay within ten days will receive a 50 per cent reduction, bringing the penalty down to £500.

The tougher fines follow a sharp rise in fly-tipping across the district. The council recorded 1,565 incidents during the 2025/26 financial year — up 23 per cent from 1,270 the previous year.

The authority also issued 60 per cent more fly-tipping fines than it had done during the preceding year.

The increase from the previous maximum of £400 was approved by North Herts Council after new government legislation allowed local authorities to raise fines to £1,000.

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on roadsides, fields, alleyways and other unauthorised locations. As well as damaging the landscape and harming wildlife, it can affect farmland and public spaces while leaving residents and councils with substantial clean-up costs.

Cllr Mick Debenham, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Regulatory, said: "Fly-tipping is far from a victimless crime, as it damages our environment, blights communities, and places an unfair financial burden on residents, farmers, businesses, and the council.

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"We're working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary, Bedfordshire Police, and other partners to prevent incidents and investigate reports.

"Issuing 60 per cent more Fixed Penalty Notices last year shows our proactive approach, while increasing the penalty to £1,000 provides officers with a stronger deterrent.

"We encourage anyone who witnesses fly-tipping or has information that could assist our investigations to report it to the council."

Incidents can be reported through the North Herts Council website or by calling 01462 474000.

Fly-tipping witnessed on private land should be reported to police by calling 101. Anyone who sees fly-tipping taking place should call 999.