Fly-tipping doesn’t just impact public spaces and rural areas, but also Rail Networks. Discover the truth behind the rise in fly-tipping on Rail Networks and how to protect yourself against this.
Over the last four years Network Rail has received nearly 4,000 reports of fly-tipping on railway networks from members of the public.
On the Wessex route alone, there have been 328 incidents since 2021, and overall the Southern region is showing to be one of the most affected areas in the UK by this.
Considered to be a more unsuspecting location, fly-tippers will look to take advantage of quiet, rural areas to illegally dispose of any goods and rubbish. But what makes Rail Networks so appealing to fly-tippers?
Why Are Rail Networks at Risk of Fly-Tipping?
Riverbanks, back alleyways, highway verges, and footpaths are all common fly-tipping targets, but from recent reports it is being revealed that Rail Networks are under just as much fire from this crime.
Rail Networks join a vast number of areas across the UK, and although it is less likely in built-up locations, railway networks run heavily through rural locations and host a whole number of hotspots due to this.
The likelihood of lessened security makes it much simpler for individuals to easily dump their rubbish illegally without much fear of being caught.
But, you’ll be surprised to know that there are many individuals unaware of fly-tipping even being a crime and this is what has been linked as one of the main causes for the recent rise being seen by Rail Networks.
The Reason Behind The Rise of Fly-Tipping on Rail Networks
According to research carried out by Network Rail, nearly a quarter of Britons didn’t know fly-tipping was a crime you could be fined or prosecuted for.
However, fly-tipping is considered railway vandalism, similar to cable theft and graffiti. It can cause delays as a result of having to clean up the fly-tipping following the incident, but also due to the knock-on effects it can have with important rail features such as cabling.
Certain types of fly-tipping can attract rats and other vermin to the location, placing the rail line, specifically cabling as they may chew through them.
Due to the lack of clarity, individuals may fly-tip near the railway lines without any concern as they do not believe it to be a criminal offence.
This is considered to be contributing heavily to the rise in fly-tipping nearby railway lines and therefore to prevent delays and disruption to commuters, the best response is to address the growing matter.
There are various security measures that can be put in place to support this, that will help to inform individuals of the dangers of fly-tipping and protect your Rail Network from falling victim to this.
How to Prevent and Overcome Fly-Tipping on Your Rail Network
To avoid your Rail Network being negatively impacted by fly-tipping, you have to be proactive and reactive in your approach to it.
It is always recommended that you take a blended response to fly-tipping, using a mixture of small and large measures that tackle various weaknesses presented by railway networks and the surrounding areas.
Having supported many councils, local authorities, and railways with their security to prevent fly-tipping, we explore some of the key measures that can be taken with your Rail Network to stop you from falling victim to this crime yourself:
Install Perimeter Fencing
Particularly with rural locations, fly-tipping can damage both the services of railway companies due to disruption caused by the crime, but also with the local wildlife which is extremely important.
One of the first preventative steps that can be implemented is by installing perimeter fencing along the side of the railway lines to prevent access to the network itself and the nature surrounding it.
Working as a criminal deterrent, fencing displays to any individuals, whether they are aware that fly-tipping is a crime or not, that they should not enter the area.
You can utilise various different fencing types and this should be decided based on the type of environment you are protecting. For example, in more rural, forest locations you need to consider the safety of animals, so harsh, heavy fencing may not be suitable.
The main downfall with this security measure is that for some individuals that have clear intentions, they could choose to damage or climb over the fencing to fly-tip, completely ignoring the criminal deterrent in place.
Add Signage
With one of the main issues being that many individuals are unaware that fly-tipping on railway networks is a criminal offence, signage can help to communicate clear messages to them.
There are multiple ways you can use signage to prevent fly-tipping, and these are as follows:
- Communicate that individuals should not enter the site, whether this be due to safety risks or legal implications if found to be on the premises.
- Inform individuals that fly-tipping is illegal and the penalties that can be implemented on them if they are caught committing this crime.
- Warn individuals of the operational and wildlife disruption that can be caused from fly-tipping, speaking of the wider impacts from even small fly-tipping incidents.
- Provide them with information on how to report incidents of fly-tipping.
Overall, signage can be placed at various points along the railway line that continuously inform any individuals nearby or trespassers that fly-tipping is not allowed, but is also a focus of yours.
If individuals understand that you are aware of this growing crime, it informs them that it may be a trickier target for them to get away with fly-tipping, leading them to avoid it completely.
You should be prepared though that with any signage it can be damaged and even stolen, leaving you to need to replace it. This can become costly if repeated incidents occur with this.
Engage With Commuters and Communities on The Reporting Process
Although not directly helping to prevent fly-tipping, encouraging the reporting of it will help to overcome the issue and prevent it from creating more damage than it needs to.
However, for successful reporting you rely on as many individuals as possible engaging in this and understanding what the process is to do so.
Therefore, reach out to the local community, commuters, and employees, informing them of who to contact, how to contact, and the information they need to provide regarding the incident witnessed or fly-tipping found.
Many individuals will not report this type of crime on Rail Networks as they will be unaware of how to do so, therefore leaving it where it could worsen and create operational disruption.
Install Mobile CCTV
Considered to be the best form of defence against fly-tipping and other rail-related crimes, Mobile CCTV offers a flexible, high-quality security solution that can both prevent crime and record incidents.
Taking a retrospective approach to fly-tipping can lead to increased costs and operational disruption, with a lowered chance of criminals being caught following this.
Mobile CCTV operates on a proactive and reactive basis. Standing up to 6 metres tall, our Towers are painted bright yellow to help deter crime and inform those in the area that they are being monitored.
Many individuals will choose to not engage in illegal activities when they know they’re being watched, so CCTV Towers are a cost-effective method that can support various security needs.
With all of our products, we provide Evidence Gathering Software that supports the safe storage of live footage, so that if incidents occur you can follow them up with high-quality, crystal clear imagery that can support any legal proceedings.
We understand that Rail Networks span over large areas and this can be difficult to manage, especially with fly-tipping. Mobile CCTV provides a budget-friendly option without having to skimp on the quality of service.
Utilise Social Media Campaigns on Fly-Tipping
With only 54% of Gen Z being aware of the fact that fly-tipping is a crime which could lead to fines and prosecutions, social media could be an extremely beneficial tool in the prevention of it on Rail Networks, like yours.
From targeted social media ads to full campaigns, your rail network can use social media in many ways to help communicate the dangers of fly-tipping, the negative impacts of it, and the repercussions individuals could face if caught committing it.
Social media also lets you share videos and images which displays to individuals what fly-tipping looks like and the operational disruption caused.
With any campaign though, you need to consider your audience and plan carefully. Throwing something together quickly will not gain the expected reach and is likely to be ineffective.
Seek Support From the Police
It is the Police’s responsibility in prosecuting instances of fly-tipping with it being a criminal offence.
There are trained individuals within the Police to support fly-tipping, are aware of techniques used, and know how to approach incidents including following-up the crime and understanding how to defend against this in future.
So, if you’re in doubt of what to do if you are facing frequent incidents of fly-tipping or wish to prevent it from happening to you, speak with the Police and see what advice they have.
They can help to also communicate campaigns out to the community and support in any investigations.
Document Any Incidents and Keep Clear Evidence of Offences
Part of preventing fly-tipping from happening on your Rail Network is to establish trends and understand where the hotspots are and why fly-tipping could be taking place there.
However, the only way to do this is to have clear documentation of any incidents that take place.
Mobile CCTV and other recording devices can support this, documenting any incidents via live video and keeping the evidence for you to utilise in establishing any trends that could be taking place.
You can take the information gathered through the footage and carry out research using this.
From this, it can help you prepare a security plan better catered to your needs and the specific threats faced. For example, if you face fly-tipping of large furniture items then installing high perimeter fencing could help to reduce that issue for you.
By learning and understanding trends, you will only gain more information that can support you in preventing fly-tipping and the costly implications that come with it.
Don’t Fall Victim to Fly-Tipping, Speak With WCCTV
Don’t let your Rail Network fall victim to fly-tipping and respond now with the support of WCCTV.
Our Network Rail CCTV Tower is specifically designed to support Rail Networks, with PADS approval for trackside, level crossing, and rail depot surveillance applications.
Their support can be used to tackle the issue of railway vandalism including fly-tipping, as well as other security risks presented towards the industry.
With thousands of commuters relying on the daily operation of the Rail Network, falling victim to fly-tipping cannot be an option for you.
One simple incident of fly-tipping can cause delays, rail damage, cleaning fees, and refunds to customers for disrupted journeys.
We understand the industry demand and as fly-tipping is on the rise, our Towers aim to provide that support quickly and easily, providing you with a mobile solution that can be adjusted to the needs of your railway line.
Get in touch with one of our security experts today to see how we can support you!
