Just 13 people have been successfully prosecuted for fly-tipping in the district of St Albans in the last three years – despite a rise in rubbish being dumped.

St Albans District Council is having to spend £40,000 a year to remove some of the illegally dumped rubbish.

In the district, 863 fly tips were cleared by the council's contractor in the year from June 2014 to May 2015.

From June 2014 to May 2015 the monthly total of fly tipping incidents varied from 52 to 95.

The council may introduce penalties for vehicles carrying waste if they do not have the correct license. They hope this will tackle the problem of fly-tipping.

Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles, Portfolio Holder for the Environment for St Albans City and District Council, said: “Flytipping is a selfish and environmentally harmful offence that this Council can and will crack down on.

“That is shown by the fact that together with the Police we are successfully prosecuting offenders. Those involved get criminal records as a result.

“We are pursuing a range of other initiatives to deter flytippers. We are also looking to engage residents who can help us by reporting incidents and providing other information.

“Flytip dumps are illegal, unsightly and a potential health hazard. People should be aware that the offence carries a fine of up to £50,000 and a jail term of up to five years.”