No simple solution to litter problem and the answer won’t be found by only dishing out fines to culprits

I WRITE in response to Fionola Meredith’s column (Comment, July 6) about the litter problem in Northern Ireland and how we solve it.

Firstly, I welcome the debate about the best ways to tackle litter; it’s important that we always review our approach and keep coming up with some new ideas. However, I need to correct the record about some of Fionola’s assertions.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful is not opposed to increasing litter fines, nor did I say so on The Nolan Show. We merely point out the factual position that increasing fines alone does not lead to any significant decrease in litter.

Polluters should pay — our Cleaner Neighbourhoods report says so — and we have consistently highlighted the £45m cost to the taxpayer.

Another aspect of the argument we need to deal with is positive engagement. Behavioural change campaigns are the most effective way of tackling litter problems. Look at the Don’t Mess with Texas campaign that used this approach and more than halved the rate of litter in the US state.

Closer to home, our own Live Here Love Here campaign has resulted in more awareness of littering issues among our communities and a subsequent reduction in the amount of litter on our streets. We also have our EcoSchools programme, which engages young people across Northern Ireland about the importance of protecting our environment.

A focus on environmental education and raising awareness is what will achieve long-term results. Yes, this means that change will not happen overnight and there will be bumps in the road along the way. But we are in this for the long haul.

There are no simplistic solutions to the litter problem and we are always open to new ideas — but they need to be based on evidence, not emotion.

FREDDIE HARRIS

Cleaner Neighbourhoods manager Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful