CITY of York Council has fined 15 people a total of more than £3000 for dumping rubbish in one year.

Figures revealed by the authority show that 15 fines totalling £3,400 were given out in York between May 2016 and May this year.

The Government gave councils new powers to issue “on the spot” fines in May 2016, so authorities can issue penalties of between £150 and £400 to those caught in the act of fly-tipping instead of having to take them to court.

Freedom of Information figures show that in total, local authorities across England handed out more than 4,600 fixed penalty notices and collected at least £773,000.

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for environment, said: “We’re proactive with our partners in combating flytipping and eyesores by encouraging licenced and responsible waste management by residents and businesses.

“We also work with British Heart Foundation, landlords and students to increase responsible disposal and recycling, and work with North Yorkshire Police on stop and search enforcement action to encourage licensed waste collection, carrying and disposal.”

Neighbourhood enforcement officers in York got the powers last July, he said, and since then have given out fines of £240 and £400. They have also prosecuted some cases through the courts, Cllr Waller added.

He also stressed that people and businesses who hire others to dispose of their rubbish needed to make sure they are using licensed carriers - or could face fines themselves.

Some councils, including Ryedale, Selby and Harrogate, did not give out any fines during the year. East Riding of Yorkshire Council handed out six, totalling £1,800; Hambleton district gave out 10 worth £640 and Scarborough issued 15 worth £1,475.