Fly-tipping in East Hampshire has been on the increase this year with more people being fined for dumping waste and hazardous substances in public areas.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) is trying to raise more awareness about the seriousness of the offence and the consequences for all parties involved.

Earlier in November, one man was ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines and costs after admitting to fly-tipping suspected asbestos-type material on Chalton Lane in the South Downs.

Someone was also fined thousands of pounds for failing to provide information to help an investigation into two separate fly-tipping incidents in Horndean.

Cllr Tony Costigan, EHDC portfolio holder for property, said: “The tips are generally perpetrated by people that are purporting to be waste carriers, and so honest residents will give them their waste in good faith.

“Then they'll take it away, and they won't think about where it's going to go. Which is why the resident has such an important role to play in terms of checking. It's the responsibility of homeowners and also the contractors to do it correctly within the rules.”

EHDC has recorded 932 incidents of fly-tipping so far this year, last year there were around 1,400.

Cllr Costigan added: “Fly-tipping damages the environment, it’s harmful to wildlife, it’s expensive to clear and it looks awful.

“Our District Team will investigate fly-tips and prosecute those responsible where they can. If it's your waste, it's your responsibility.”

If you see a fly tip blocking the road, phone Hampshire County Council on 0300 555 1388 (8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or 101 outside those hours. You can also make a report via your MyEHDC account.

If you see the offence being committed, phone the police on 101.