HIDDEN cameras are being used to catch people who illegally dump rubbish in Buckinghamshire in an effort to save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Fly-tippers people who leave their waste scattered around the countryside are being targeted in a joint operation involving members of the Buckinghamshire Waste Partnership.

Under tough new rules introduced under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 early last month, fly-tipping is now an arrestable offence carrying a maximum fine of £50,000.

John Warder, chairman of the joint waste committee for Environmental management and Chiltern District Council's cabinet member for environmental management, issued a warning to fly-tippers.

He said: "We are determined to stop illegal dumping in the county.

"Our ability to mount surveillance operations such as this means would-be fly-tippers can never be sure that their antisocial actions won't be caught on camera and result in a court appearance.

"But an important part in our campaign is still the willingness of residents to report illegal dumping, together with the number of the vehicle involved.

"Working together, the local community, Buckinghamshire Waste Partnership and the courts can make the scourge of fly- tipping a thing of the past."

Anyone who sees fly-tipping should call the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 or Bucks County Council on 0845 3301856