Brent Council has reinforced its zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping with the introduction of state-of-the-art AI CCTV cameras across key hotspot areas, including council-managed estates.
The new cameras activate as soon as they detect suspicious movement, sending real-time footage directly to the council’s enforcement team, which has tripled in size since 2024.
Early results show the technology is already making an impact: within 24 hours of deployment, one camera captured three separate waste offences, including a dumped fish tank, cardboard thrown onto the pavement, and a man discarding rubbish on a footway instead of using a nearby bin.
So far this year, Brent Council has issued over 5,700 fines for waste offences, more than double the total from last year. This is a strategy as part of the ongoing Don’t Mess with Brent campaign, reflecting the strengthened enforcement strategy.
In 2025 Brent became one of several councils across London to increase fixed penalty notice costs for fly tipping from £400 to £1,000.
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. Be warned: Don’t Mess with Brent.”
Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping to the council so that the waste can be inspected and cleared promptly. The combination of cutting-edge AI technology and an expanded enforcement team aims to keep Brent’s streets clean and protect the local environment.
