FridayOL

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is taking a tech-savvy approach to combatting roadside littering with the launch of a groundbreaking pilot scheme. Utilising cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the council, in partnership with LitterCam, has deployed a CCTV camera on a road in Willerby to identify and record individuals illegally dumping waste.

The initiative, which began on Monday, June 23rd, will run for a 12-week period. The AI-powered camera is designed to automatically detect vehicles and activities associated with fly-tipping. Unlike traditional CCTV, this system can intelligently differentiate between legitimate activity (like someone putting something in a bin) and illegal dumping, significantly reducing the need for manual review of footage.

Why This Matters: The Growing Problem of Fly-Tipping

Fly-tipping is a persistent and costly issue across Australia, and the East Riding is no exception. It not only blights the landscape but also poses environmental risks and incurs significant clean-up costs for local authorities. The council spends considerable resources each year removing illegally dumped waste, money that could be better allocated to other vital services.

How Does the AI Work?

The AI technology employed in this pilot scheme is sophisticated. It uses machine learning algorithms to analyse video footage in real-time. The camera can identify the presence of vehicles, the movement of waste, and even the actions of individuals involved in the dumping process. When suspicious activity is detected, the system automatically records the incident, capturing crucial evidence for potential prosecution.

What Happens Next?

Evidence gathered by the AI camera will be used to issue fines to those caught fly-tipping. The council hopes this deterrent effect will significantly reduce the amount of illegal waste being dumped on roadsides.

“We’re committed to keeping our communities clean and safe,