Eastwood MSP, Jackson Carlaw is encouraging constituents to make their views known on fly-tipping as part of proposed legislation at Holyrood to tackle the illicit dumping of waste materials.
Mr Carlaw’s call comes after his party colleague Murdo Fraser MSP launched a consultation on a Member’s Bill he has brought forward on the subject of fly tipping.
The objective of the bill is to significantly enhance existing legislation on fly-tipping, which dates back to 1990. The bill has the support of organisations including NFU Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates.
The bill seeks to increase sanctions for fly-tipping, including by lifting the current fixed-penalty notice of £200, improving data collection of incidents and to guarantee the person on whose land waste is disposed on is not responsible for its removal.
The legislation also proposes a strict liability, which would mean the generator of the waste would be responsible for clearing it up and paying any fines.
The consultation lasts until 23rd May and Mr Carlaw is urging as many constituents as possible to make their feelings known on the bill during this period.
Local residents can take part in the consultation by clicking on the following weblink - https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/proposals-for-bills/proposed-fly-tipping-scotland-bill.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“I am pleased to be backing my colleague Murdo Fraser’s plans to crack down on fly-tipping.
“It is completely selfish to dump waste at unauthorised locations and any behaviour of this nature in Eastwood and across Scotland is simply unacceptable.
“This new bill is essential for strengthening current laws on fly tipping, which stretch back decades.
“I would urge constituents in Eastwood to get involved with the consultation in the coming weeks so that the views and experience of local residents on fly tipping can be included as part of this process.
“I hope that this sensible and much needed piece of legislation will secure cross-party backing from my fellow MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.”