A new state-of-the-art solar camera has been installed in a fly-tipping hotspot in the car park at Riverside Park on Woodmill Lane to tackle the persistent issue of fly-tipping that plagues the area.
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The new solar camera is accessed remotely by council teams.
The hope is that it not only captures perpetrators, but it will also act as a deterrent.
Offenders caught on camera could face a significant fine or prosecution in court.
While previous cameras on the site were battery powered, they required a weekly visit to download the footage.
Southampton City Council said it has issued over 100 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping and littering since June 2022. A recent case here resulted in a resident receiving a £800 FPN fine.
Cllr John Savage, cabinet member for green city and net zero, pictured, said: “We are committed to maintaining Riverside Park as a clean and safe environment for everyone to enjoy. The installation of this solar-powered camera shows our ongoing commitment to our green city.
“Riverside Park is one of Southampton's most loved parks and was awarded Green Flag status in 2022. Boasting impressive open spaces, the River Itchen and home to the Queens Canopy for the Platinum Jubilee.”
The car park is home to charity donation banks, and the council urged residents to take donations to a charity shop that will accept them or take them home until space is available if they are full.
Funding for the new camera kit comes from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.