Haringey Council has deployed advanced AI-powered cameras to combat the dangerous practice of residents throwing rubbish from tower block windows, with three £1,000 fines already issued since the technology’s introduction.

The motion-sensitive cameras, first installed on the Broadwater Farm estate in November, have captured 11 incidents of aerial fly-tipping, with items being thrown from heights of up to 17 storeys. Objects discarded include gym equipment, furniture, and glass bottles, posing serious risks to pedestrians below.

“Our residents deserve safe and clean estates,” says Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and Deputy Leader. “Littering from windows not only creates a serious nuisance but can also be extremely dangerous for others passing by.”

The technology, inspired by successful implementations in Singapore, uses sophisticated AI algorithms to differentiate between legitimate movement, such as birds, and actual instances of fly-tipping. Even small items like tissues can be detected when thrown from windows.

Addressing potential privacy concerns, the council confirms that the cameras are positioned to avoid recording into residents’ homes, focusing solely on detecting items being thrown from windows. This ensures that only those engaging in fly-tipping will be affected by the surveillance.

The installation at Broadwater Farm serves as a pilot project, with the council planning to expand the program to other estates following its initial success. This technological approach represents a significant step in the council’s efforts to maintain cleaner, safer living environments for residents while holding offenders accountable through substantial fines.

The initiative comes as part of Haringey’s broader strategy to combat anti-social behavior and maintain environmental standards across its housing estates, with the AI cameras providing a new tool in the council’s enforcement arsenal.