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Tuesday 18 Mar 2025

One in five North East and Yorkshire & Humber residents don’t know fly-tipping’s a crime, Network Rail research reveals

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Nearly a fifth of residents across the North East and Yorkshire & the Humber (18%) don’t know that fly-tipping is a crime, according to new research by Network Rail.

Dumping rubbish is classed as environmental vandalism and – alongside offences like cable theft – can have knock-on effects on passenger journeys as Network Rail repairs the damage.

Waste can attract rats which chew on cables – leading to signal failures and even accidents, while metal cans and foil can cause short circuits in railway signalling systems.

But the research, commissioned by Network Rail to mark Global Recycling Day (Tuesday 18 March), found that half of people across the North East and Yorkshire & the Humber were unaware that fly-tipping causes transport delays.

Network Rail works hard throughout the year cleaning up after fly-tippers to maintain a reliable and efficient railway, working closely with the British Transport Police to investigate and prosecute or fine people who commit fly-tipping.

The railway network has a range of preventative measures in place including CCTV to monitor sites, fencing at fly-tipping hotspots and “nobblers” which puncture tyres inside and outside access gates to railway land. 

Fly-tipping is a source of pollution, a potential danger to public health and a hazard to wildlife. But the research shows that nearly a fifth of the region’s residents (18%) do not believe it has a negative impact on the environment.

More than one in five people in the area (22%) have witnessed fly-tipping on or near a railway. But fewer than one in three of those who see it (29%) report it to an authority such as the local council, Crimestoppers or a transport authority.

Nationally, Network Rail has received nearly 4,000 reports in the past four years from members of the public of fly-tipping on the railway network – a 3.5% increase last year.

Michael Thompson, Network Rail infrastructure maintenance protection co-ordinator, said: “Fly-tipping wreaks havoc on our railway and environment, preventing passengers from getting where they need to be on time and wrecking wildlife habitats.

“Network Rail works closely with local authorities on prevention and prosecution. If you see someone fly-tipping, it’s imperative you report this to your local council, Crimestoppers or the British Transport Police. By working together we can help protect the environment and limit the impact of this selfish act.”

Chief Inspector Adam Swallow, British Transport Police, said: "Fly-tipping is a criminal and selfish act which can cause delays to the railway network and harm the environment. The repercussions of fly-tipping are serious, with those caught facing significant fines or even jail time.

“I would urge anyone who sees this callous behaviour to report it so we can safeguard our railways and our wildlife by calling 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.”

Click here to find out more about the work Network Rail is doing to tackle fly-tipping on the railway.