Public urged to respond to proposals designed to reduce fly-tipping

People in the Highlands are being urged to respond to new proposals designed to reduce fly-tipping.

Jamie Halcro Johnston, MSP for Highlands and Islands, has said that a draft member’s bill by MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Murdo Fraser, looked to tackle the growing problem, but that public engagement with the consultation process was important in helping ensure that any new legislation was as robust as possible.

Mr Halcro Johnston said “Fly-tipping is a growing issue and, like other elected representatives, I am regularly contacted by constituents angry and upset by the amount of littering in their communities.

“That has only increased since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, with some of our most special areas and beauty spots turned into eyesores because of littering and fly-tipping.

“And it has often meant that farmers, crofters and other land managers have been left with the burden of cleaning up after those whose selfish – and illegal – actions risk real environmental damage, as well as a potential danger to the public and to livestock.

“We need to address this problem, and local considerations – as well as local experiences – will be vital in ensuring this legislation is as robust as possible.

“That is why I hope people will get involved with Murdo Fraser’s bill and put forward their own thoughts of how we can best tackle littering and fly-tipping."

The consultation closes at 23:59 on Tuesday May 23.

The online survey can be accessed online at: www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/proposals-for-bills/proposed-fly-tipping-scotland-bill

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