Greater Manchester MP says fly-tippers should 'have their cars crushed' (2025)

Paul Waugh spoke out in Parliament

A Greater Manchester MP has called for cars to be crushed as a punishment for fly-tipping.

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh told Parliament about the issues councils are facing when trying to crack down on fly-tippers. He told the House of Commons that fly-tippers should be treated 'like criminals' and have their cars crushed - and the minister agreed with him.

He said: “My council tells me there’s a real failure in the courts to issue consistent and tough enough fines, so does the minister agree with me it’s time to crack down harder on fly-tippers, for much tighter regulations on waste carriers, and treat the fly-tippers like the criminals they are by crushing their cars or putting points on their licence?”

Nature minister Mary Creagh replied: “I couldn’t agree more with (Mr Waugh).”

She described 'enthusiasm from all sides of the House' when Mr Waugh asked his question, adding: “Our message to the waste criminals is clear – we are seeking powers in the Crime and Policing Bill and we are going to track you down.”

Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne later said: “Alas, the last government did not take up my suggestion that the offenders be garrotted with their own intestines. The first problem, however, is to catch them.

“Is there any way that local authorities can be encouraged to take advantage of the collapse in price and improvement in quality of internet-connected cameras?”

Ms Creagh replied: “I think there’d be some human rights implications with the garrotting option, but I do share his passionate hatred for these environmental criminals.”

In a nod to Sir Desmond’s New Forest West constituency, Ms Creagh added it “really upsets me to see ancient woodland run by the Forestry Commission fly-tipped – these are precious, irreplicable areas”.

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