Dinosaur-disguised fly-tipper avoids hefty fine | UK | News
A fly tipper disguised as a dinosaur managed to avoid a hefty fine after he was caught dumping rubbish in the middle of the night – but locals are left stunned.
The race is on to unmask the fly tipping culprit in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. video Footage published by the Your Southend news website shows the dinosaur throwing two garbage bags onto the pavement.
The perpetrator managed to avoid a £400 fine for littering in public space in the Essex town, despite the local council installing cameras on the seafront following a fly tipping incident in 2023.
Sharing the video with the website, the resident said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was the night before garbage day. He is clearly struggling with the new bin rules.”
“Well, Barney the Dinosaur was clearly up to some mischief last night,” said another resident, who was awakened by the commotion.
Your Southend has appealed for the suspect. The dinosaur was described as “about 2 meters tall, with distinctive little T. rex arms” and that it “liked to swing around lampposts.”
Fly tipping is illegal in the UK and is a serious offense under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Being caught knocking out a fly can result in an unlimited fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
What does fly tipping mean?
- Disposal of household waste, garden waste, rubble or tires in public or private areas
- Leaving large items, multiple waste bags or mattresses next to street recycling points or outside charity shops and indoor recycling centers
- Illegal disposal of commercial or industrial waste
- Illegal disposal of controlled waste containing both liquid and solid materials
What should you do if you witness fly tipping?
- Do not confront individuals, prioritize your safety
- Note the date, time, and location and document descriptions of people and vehicles involved
- Report the incident to your local municipality; This can usually be done online via the GOV.UK website or the local authority’s app.
- Do not touch any tipped waste
