A countryside lane that has become a "potentially dangerous" dumping ground for illegal fly-tippers could be sealed off from vehicles.
South Gloucestershire Council is considering introducing a public spaces protection order (PSPO) along a narrow grassy path off Tanhouse Lane in Yate, which is already a no-through zone for vehicles.
The PSPO would effectively make it a criminal offence to access the path with a vehicle, and the council is also proposing to narrow the entrance to make it impossible for people to reverse down there.
A consultation being carried out by the council states: "The lane is subject to issues with fly-tipping.
"The council incurs costs in clearing this fly-tipping, and the waste makes it unpleasant, and potentially dangerous for people to use."
It adds that the "antisocial" fly-tipping "has or will have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality".
The narrow, grassy lane is surrounded by fields and sits within the Yate North ward.
It leads towards the centre of Yate and access would be retained for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
The council's proposed solution is to narrow the entrance to the lane, using 'bunds' - effectively a raised mound of earth.
The PSPO would give the council the power to ban people from accessing the lane with a motor vehicle.
Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and can lead to a fine or even prosecution.
Fly-tipping is also illegal and the crime is also punishable by hefty fines or even a prison sentence of up to five years.
It is defined as "the illegal deposit of any waste on to land that does not have a licence to accept it", according to Keep Britain Tidy.
South Gloucestershire Council describes its approach to fly tippers as "zero tolerance", and it utilises CCTV and automatic number plate recognition where possible to try to trace the culprit.
Comments on the proposal can be made via its consultation until May 24.
Fly tips in the area can be reported to the council via its website.
