Westminster council to use artificial intelligence cameras to catch fly-tippers
By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter
A council is using a supercomputer to catch people dumping washing machines and soiled mattresses in the middle of Central London streets.
Westminster City council has put up CCTV cameras around hotspots where people are caught dumping large items.
The council will use artificial intelligence to flag suspected incidents of fly-tipping before the footage is reviewed by officers.
The council will then be able to identify the culprit’s car number plates and fine them.
Westminster City council has also said it will monitor what times fly-tipping takes place so it can have officers on the case quickly.
Since 2018, the number of goods dumped in Central London’s streets has shot up. White goods such as washing machines and fridges have been found on street corners, along with furniture and toilets.
The council says there were 1,700 offences recorded in 2022, and in one hot spot there were 192 offences – roughly one committed every two days.
Westminster City council has also found a number of new items dumped in the street. Flat screen TVs and new shoes left in their packaging have been found by the council.
Council officers have also found old pet cages, kitchen cupboards and car tyres dumped in its streets.
Westminster City councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, cabinet member for city management and air quality, said: “Our teams work tirelessly to keep Westminster’s streets clean and tidy.
“We want to stamp out this disgraceful behaviour of abandoning household waste, soiled mattresses and building materials in the street.
“This ingenious technology will catch people out red-handed to ensure they don’t do it again.
“If you are looking to dispose of bulky waste, the council offers a quick and efficient service instead of irresponsibly dumping it in the street.”
Pictured top: Westminster City council has put up CCTV to catch fly-tippers and it is using AI to alert officers when offences happen (Picture: Westminster City council)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
