A NEW fleet of fully electric vehicles including an enforcement camera vehicle are part of Carlisle City Council's eco-friendly efforts to combat littering and other environmental crimes.

The council has a new fleet of six electric vehicles which will be deployed in Carlisle to tackle environmental offences such as littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

The fully electric vehicles benefit the local air quality by reducing noise pollution and zero emissions.

Equipped with CCTV, they use a pan-tilt-zoom system which can be rotated 360 degrees and can be operated remotely.

Fly-tipping has increased in Carlisle by up to a third compared to last year and roadside litter is an ongoing issue.

The city council is committed to Keeping Carlisle Clean and ensuring that people are aware of their responsibilities. Those that don’t comply could face hefty fines.

Littering from a vehicle carries a penalty of £150 which can be issued direct to the owner even if they are not driving the vehicle at the time of the offence. Failure to pay will result in the fine doubling and further action being taken in the courts.

The council takes the issue of fly-tipping seriously and a recent prosecution in Carlisle resulted in the Magistrates’ Court issuing a £2,112.92 fine.

Councillor Nigel Christian, Portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, said: "We’re committed to improving the environment and keeping Carlisle clean. Apart from being an eyesore, roadside litter is a serious environmental hazard and an expensive one too - money that could be better spent in the community.

"The new electric CCTV van will help us track down those that don’t follow the rules.

"The new vehicle is a safe way of capturing and recording car registrations and, where possible, the actual crime being committed. There is no excuse for throwing litter out of vehicles."

"It’s harmful to the environment and puts our staff at risk when they have to clear it up."

Littering also harms livestock and animals in the area.

Cllr Christian said: Wildlife are the main victims when it comes to people’s rubbish - particularly wild birds. Protecting animals from harmful rubbish is easy - dispose of your rubbish responsibly by recycling, reusing or simply putting it in the bin.”

To report an enviro-crime, including littering and fly-tipping email customerservices@carlisle.gov.uk