HARROW Council has started using police technology in its battle against flytippers.
The number plate recognition system was introduced at Harrow Council's main rubbish disposal dump in Forward Drive, Harrow, this month.
Cameras linked to number plate software will log the registrations of vehicles that make more than two visits a day to the site.
Jerry Hickman, the council's head of public realm services, said: "Of course, we understand that sometimes householders might need to make a number of visits in one day - if they're clearing a garage, for example.
"But we will be watching for people who just want to dodge the proper payments for trade waste as that is ultimately cheating the council tax payers of Harrow."
Council staff at the depot are informing users from now until July 1 through leaflets and posters that the number plate technology - known as ANPR - is being trialled.
After that date, the technology will be set to watch specific number plates suspected of flouting the payment rules.
The council estimates it is losing at least £4,000 in commercial collection fees a month from cowboy builders or other traders who repeatedly visit the tip.
