Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

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Drop litter, pick up a fine - EHDC takes 14 people to court for non-payment of fines

If you drop litter in East Hampshire, you can expect to be fined - that's the message from East Hampshire District Council after it took 14 people to court over non-payment of litter fines. Keeping the district litter free is one of the council's top priorities. It has empowered enforcement officers with the ability to issue on-the-spot £80 fines to anyone dropping rubbish, including cigarette butts and chewing gum.

Those caught littering are given two weeks to pay, with extensions offered if needed, but face a court summons if they persistently refuse. On 6 April, EHDC prosecuted 14 people for non-payment of fines at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court. In total, each individual was ordered to pay £639, consisting of an increased fine of £440, a £44 victim surcharge and £155 costs. As well as the fine, each now also has a criminal record. Of this money EHDC only receives £155 to cover its court costs.

"Litter is a major issue for many residents of the district and we all want to live in a clean and litter-free environment," says Natalie Meagher, the local authority's head of neighbourhood support.

"Those who litter but do not pay will be brought to court where they may have to pay much more than the £80 imposed by our litter enforcement officers and will have a criminal record.

"EHDC only takes people to court as a last resort. Anyone that is caught littering is given a number of opportunities to pay before we eventually take that step - but the message is simple. If you drop litter in East Hampshire then you can expect to pay a fine."

East Hampshire District Council employs four litter enforcement officers who patrol town centres and other areas where litter has been reported as a problem.The council also provides litter enforcement for neighbouring authorities.

Each officer carries ID and a portable camera. The camera is only turned on after the offence has been committed in order to record the subsequent conversation. This is to protect both the officer and the individual and can be used as evidence in court if required.

On-the-spot fines can be issued for any litter deliberately left in any public place but the officer is not allowed to take payment at that time.

T: 01730 23413
W: www.easthants.gov.uk

4th May 2017