Brent Council have implemented the use of AI cameras at fly tipping hotspots as part of a wider aim of combatting the waste crisis.
Since 2006, Brent alone saw 322,910 reported fly tipping incidents, with 27,023 of these being in 2024.
In response, the council has increased its enforcement capacity and invested in the technology to identify offenders more quickly.
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement, said: “We continue our focus on catching those that trash our borough.
“These new AI cameras are a major help for our bolstered enforcement teams and will help them crack down on those responsible.
“Brent is a beautiful borough, and we will not hesitate to issue fines to protect it.”
Brent was in the top ten worst regions for fly tipping offences in 2024.
According to the council, they have tripled the size of its enforcement team since 2024, and over the past 12 months have taken 5,700 enforcement actions – up from 2,700 last year.
One single camera also reportedly recorded three separate incidents within a 24 hour period, including the illegal dumping of a fish tank, cardboard and rubbish thrown onto a pavement.
Council officers say quicker detection has reduced the time waste remains on streets, limiting knock-on effects such as further dumping and increased clean-up costs.
Targeted deployment of cameras has also enabled enforcement teams to focus resources on areas with persistent problems rather than responding reactively across the borough.
In response to concern over the use of monitoring technology, Sheth said: “We recognise that the use of any surveillance technology must be fair, proportionate and transparent.
“Our AI cameras, which are triggered by fly-tipping, are deployed only in locations where data shows persistent fly‑tipping, not to monitor individuals.
“Footage is handled securely and used solely to support environmental enforcement.
“Alongside this, we’re continuing to communicate clearly with residents about why the cameras are in place, how the technology works, and what safeguards protect their privacy.”
Brent has continued to be one of the worst councils across London for fly tipping offences, and this is reflected in frustrations in the community.
Sheth said: “Fly‑tipping has a real and lasting impact on Brent’s neighbourhoods.
“It affects how clean and safe our streets feel, and places a heavy burden on local communities and council resources.
““Residents have seen the benefits of quicker enforcement already.”
Brent Council says early results mirror outcomes seen in other local authorities using similar technology, where faster enforcement has been linked to fewer complaints and improved street conditions.
Sheth said: “The message is clear, Don’t Mess with Brent.”
Photo credit: Ariungoo Batzorig via Unsplash
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