THE 12 district and borough councils in Sussex have failed to issue a single on-the-spot-fine for flytipping since receiving new powers.

The authorities have all failed to use new powers which came into force in May to issue fines of up to £400 rather than take offenders through the courts.

Other councils around the country have been issuing up to two a day while taking part in proactive campaigns to catch flytippers before they act.

Campaigners have called for a more proactive approach to tackle the scourge of illegal waste dumpers but council officials said flytipping was not a major problem in their area.

Only Brighton and Hove City Council has issued flytipping fines in Sussex – 35 between February and August under a new joint project with private firm 3GS which has been criticised for going after “the low hanging fruit” with more than two thirds of fines issued for dropping cigarettes.

The council is now looking to install CCTV cameras at flytipping hotspots.

Keep Britain Tidy said some councils had recently launched a crackdown using powers to seize and crush vehicles while Croydon Council targeted potential fly-tippers by checking van drivers' waste licences.

Chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said all local authorities needed to develop a consistent approach and issue on-the-spot fines to make people think twice.

She added: “We understand resources are tight and cutting back on enforcement can seem like a quick win, but we think it’s a false economy.

“If we are to stop the growing numbers of offences, people need to know their local authority will prosecute.”

An Adur and Worthing councils spokeswoman said: “The reason for no fines being issued is simply that flytipping isn't a major problem in Adur and Worthing and to issue a fine you need evidence and or witness statements.”

Hastings Borough Council spokesman said: "We are currently reviewing our enviro-crime enforcement policy in order to use the new powers and look at the use of community protection notices.

“We will also be increasing the use of mobile CCTV cameras in fly-tipping hotspots to trace offenders.”

Eastbourne Borough Council said it issued three fixed penalty fines in December alone but its approach was focused on "behavioural strategy" through 15 proactive patrols which resulted in month-on-month reductions.

Arun District Council said it had two officers dealing with fly-tipping as part of a wider role and were looking to employ a full-time enforcement officer from February to investigating flytipping complaints.

Chichester District Council, which has had 12 successful prosecutions for flytipping since 2010, said it was now working with individuals who do not properly dispose of their waste to give details of those who go on to flytip their waste.

Wealden District Council said it adopted regulations allowing for flytipping fines late last month but said the powers were not suited to large scale fly tipping which would still be pursued through the courts.