Fines imposed for leaving items outside a residential home are set to be reduced in a bid to tackle fly-tipping.
BCP Council currently applies a £1,000 blanket fine under its existing policy.
But after a six-month review it’s proposing to cut fines to £300 for items left outside a residential home or £600 if serious obstruction is caused.
Anyone caught fly-tipping away from their home or commercial address will still risk a £1,000 fine.
The updated plans are to be discussed by the council’s Cabinet next week.
The authority says it aims to strike the right balance when it comes to issuing fines.
The review was established in direct response to feedback from residents and to reflect new statutory guidance issued by central government.
Under the proposed plans, fines for fly-tipping could be reduced depending on the level of impact caused by those leaving items on roads and pavements.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, said: “We are fortunate to live in an area boasting such natural beauty, and it is crucial we protect it by addressing issues like fly-tipping.
“We know this is important to our residents, who want to live and work in clean and clutter-free neighbourhoods.
“As a council which welcomes challenge, we have listened and acknowledged residents’ mixed feedback.
“This has supported the formation of this proposed policy which aims to strike a balance between not overly penalising honest people who might make a mistake, whilst reprimanding anyone who consciously shows no consideration to our area.
“Any obstruction to the public highway is unacceptable, especially when it prevents access for those with mobility challenges, or parents with prams. This policy aims to serve everyone.
“I would also like to be clear that items left out for free or collection on public land, such as the pavement, are considered as fly-tipping.
“I encourage residents to only display goods on their own private land, or else you risk a fine.”
Any waste or item intentionally left on the road and pavement is illegal and considered as fly-tipping.