PROPOSALS to give extra powers to councils to help tackle illegal dumping of waste have been announced by the Government.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs launched a consultation on June 13 on how to target criminals who pollute by illegally dumping waste.

The proposals will give councils new powers to stop, search and instantly seize vehicles suspected of being involved in flytipping and other waste offences.

Offenders who do not come forward risk having their vehicles crushed.

Environment minister and Lewisham Deptford MP Joan Ruddock said: "Flytipping poses a serious threat to humans and wildlife and costs more than £100m every year to investigate and clear up.

"This consultation will give everyone the opportunity to have their say and I would encourage people to respond."

The consultation documents can be found at defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waste-controls and closes on September 8.

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