JUST one person has been issued with an ‘on-the-spot’ fine for fly-tipping in southern Hampshire during the first year of the new penalty coming into effect, new figures have revealed.

The powers, which were introduced in May 2016, allow councils around the country to issue fixed penalty notices (FPN) worth between £150 and £400 for anyone caught dumping their rubbish.

Figures have shown that New Forest District Council (NFDC) handed out just one FPN – which was for £300 after more than 200kg of waste was dumped near Vereley Car Park in Burley back in January – in the 12 months to May 8, with Southampton City Council, Winchester City Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Fareham Borough Council not issuing any.

Figures for Eastleigh Borough Council were not available.

Brighton and Hove Council issued the largest amount in the country with 276 given out, pulling in more than £16,000.

The news comes months after it was reported that fly-tipping was happening almost every week of the year across the New Forest, while, several incidents were reported in Southampton, including a boat being dumped behind a charity store in Shirley.

In recent weeks, proposals for cuts to Hampshire County Council’s budget, which included the possibility of closing half the county’s waste recycling centres, sparked fears of fly-tipping.

Speaking at a select committee last month, Lymington councillor Michael White said: “Losing our site will only result in more fly-tipping.”

As previously reported, Winchester City Council said it had a 100 per cent conviction rate for fly-tipping cases taken to court.

Cllr Trevor Cartwright, executive member for health and public protection at Fareham Borough Council, said: “We have a zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping, however unless there is evidence contained within the fly-tipping we cannot proceed with issuing a FPN or prosecution.

“Last year we prosecuted a persistent offender, who admitted 14 fly-tipping offences and was given a prison sentence.”

A NFDC spokesperson added: “Fly-tipping is unacceptable and puts our residents, wildlife and environment at risk.

“We will work with our partners to act swiftly and fine those responsible whenever possible.”

Southampton, Test Valley and Eastleigh councils all said they take the issue seriously.