Network Rail to step up fly-tipping enforcement in Preston

Friday 1 Jul 2022

Network Rail to step up fly-tipping enforcement in Preston

Region & Route:: North West & Central: North West; | North West & Central

Fly-tippers in the Deepdale area of Preston are being urged to stop dumping waste on railway land or face criminal consequences.

Several tonnes of stinking household rubbish, a selection of old sofas, mattresses and bikes have been illegally deposited along the disused Preston to Longridge railway line near Skeffington Road in Deepdale.

Nationally, millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money is spent clearing up after criminal dumpers each year.

This money would otherwise be used to improve stations and track, providing better journeys for passengers and freight in the North West.

Ian Croucher, Lancashire maintenance protection coordinator from Network Rail, said: “We won’t tolerate anyone using the railway as an illegal dumping ground and we do everything we can to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Unsightly waste like this near Skeffington Road is a health and environmental hazard. Anyone who sees fly-tipping happening on the railway should immediately contact the British Transport Police.”

Inspector Pete Wilcock from the British Transport Police said: "Fly tipping is a criminal offence and those responsible face prosecution and a hefty fine.

"Dumping rubbish on the railway creates an eyesore and forces Network Rail to fork out to pay for it to be removed. Money that could be invested elsewhere.

"We continue to work with Network Rail combining our many resources to prevent fly tipping. If you witness or have any information regarding fly tipping on the railway report it to us on 0800 405040.”

Network Rail uses covert tactics and works closely with the British Transport Police to catch criminal fly-tippers.

Hidden cameras are installed in known 'grot spots' to gather evidence so those responsible can be taken to court.

For more information on how Network Rail tackles fly tipping visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/living-by-the-railway/litter-and-fly-tipping/.

Incidents of fly tipping can be reported to Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

If you have information or see anyone fly tipping contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
0330 854 0100
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

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