I think the issue may well be proving which individual(s) are responsible for the mess. It may well be possible to prove the mess is caused by a particular group, but I don't suppose it is possible to hold an entire group responsible for the actions of part of that group "joint enterprise". The crime of murder is, I think, the only exception.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/20...uk-how-do-11-people-go-to-jail-for-one-murder
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For many years during a previous life, I represented my organisation as a member of several local authority Crime and Disorder Groups so I understand all that only too well. However, for authorities to do virtually nothing and then just pass the cost of the clear up onto those in society that actually pay local taxes is not only grossly unfair but IMO also a dereliction of duty. They must be proactive in dealing with these issues.
My comments are not solely aimed at certain elements of the traveling community, but anyone else who thinks that fly tipping, littering, graffiti, vandalism etc are acceptable practices. They all degrade our environment and effect the quality of life of us all.
Yes,
If the resourses were available more could be done but lack of staff and funding shouldn't be used as a coverall excuse for not taking action on this sort of issue. There are always measures, often simple, quick and inexpensive that can make a difference. Any antisocial activity can show our local communities and our country in a bad light especially to tourists from abroad. Unfortunately, as far as I can see peoples atitudes to issues such as grafitti and littering appear to be changing. For example, some misguided people now view graffiti as a form of street art. However, when some little swine has just spray painted his tag on your hitherto unblemished brick wall, landing you with many hours of work and a permenantly marked wall, then that's simply criminal damage, not art. When people think it acceptable to regularly throw the contents of their cars including the wrappings of their recent Happy Meals, newspapers, used nappies, beer cans, cigarette packets etc etc down our country lanes then who has taught them that this is OK? Just take a look at the verges along side our motorways to see just how bad this issue has become. On a recent trip to Italy via several other countries I saw very little evidence of this sort of thing anywhere, so why here? I'm sure they have similar problems but is it on the same scale?
Local Authorities must be proactive in dealing with these sort of issues despite the pressures currently placed on them otherwise what will our children and grandchildren inherit?
Getting back to Aires, we do have one of the few in Britain, located at Canterbury next to a park and ride. It's a sort of half hearted attempt at providing an aire. I never used it myself and I stand to be corrected but it appears to be purely a parking area for motorhomes with few facilities.
