We just cannot believe the amount of fly-tipping that’s going on railway land in the Deepdale area of Preston. Network rail have found several tonnes of stinking household rubbish, mattresses, bikes, sofas and shopping trolleys dumped along the disused Preston to Longridge railway line near Skeffington Road in Deepdale.
Network rail are now urging these fly-tippers to stop dumping their waste or face criminal prosecution. Nationally throughout the UK tax payers are paying millions of pounds to clear up the mess dumpers leave each year. Monies which could be spent on improving rail tracks, stations and safer journeys for passengers and freight. Below is a video done by the Network Rail team to show just how bad the tipping has got and how hazardous waste can be a danger to those who have to collect it.
Ian Croucher, Lancashire maintenance protection coordinator from Network Rail, said: “We won’t tolerate anyone using the railway as an illegal dumping ground and we do everything we can to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Unsightly waste like this near Skeffington Road is a health and environmental hazard. Anyone who sees fly-tipping happening on the railway should immediately contact the British Transport Police.”
Inspector Pete Wilcock from the British Transport Police said: “Fly tipping is a criminal offence and those responsible face prosecution and a hefty fine.
“Dumping rubbish on the railway creates an eyesore and forces Network Rail to fork out to pay for it to be removed. Money that could be invested elsewhere.
“We continue to work with Network Rail combining our many resources to prevent fly tipping. If you witness or have any information regarding fly tipping on the railway report it to us on 0800 405040.”
Network Rail are committed to reducing fly-tipping and litter which can all attract rats that can chew on cables leading to signal failures, delays and even accidents, while metal cans and foil can cause short circuits in the signalling system.
Fly-tipping is also dangerous – especially if people trespass on the railway. It’s a criminal offence too and carries a fine of up to £1,000.
Covert tactics & CCTV equipment are used by Network Rail who work closely with the British Transport Police to try to catch criminal fly-tippers in the act. The hidden CCTV cameras installed in known dumping grounds are used to gather evidence so those responsible can be prosecuted. Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and carries a fine of up to £1,000.
