Michelle ThompsonCameras equipped with AI technology are being deployed to detect individuals who engage in unlawful waste disposal.
Peterborough City Council (PCC) is utilizing technology that identifies images of littering and determines the exact time when the trash is discarded.
There was a rise in reported fly-tipping incidents in the city during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
In a report to the council members, it was noted: “The problem of fly-tipping remains prevalent throughout both the city and the nation.”
Peterborough documents several thousand instances of fly-tipped waste annually.
In 2019, Peterborough experienced 9,748 cases of illegal dumping, which rose to 11,517 in 2020. Last year, the incidents marginally increased to 11,972, as reported by the council.
This information was shared with the Peterborough City Council’s climate change and environment scrutiny committee earlier this month.
From April 2022 to March 2023, the council issued 107 penalties for illegal dumping. The council aims to boost its enforcement effectiveness with the introduction of cameras.
A representative from the council mentioned that three sets of cameras have been operational for a few months.
