Fines for litterbugs have been increased

FINES for litterbugs have been increased in Blaby.

Three fines for environmental offences in the district have been increased after a meeting of Blaby District Council’s Cabinet Executive.

The Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) amount for those caught littering and distributing free literature on land without permission has been increased from £75 to £150.

The early payment amount has also been increased from £65 to £100.

Graffiti and Fly Posting, which was previously a £75 fine has been upped to £100, with £65 remaining as the early payment amount.

The early payment amounts for abandoning a vehicle (£120 to £150) and failing to produce a waste transfer note (£180 to £200) have also been increased.

All new charges will be introduced on Friday (June 1).

The increased FPN for littering comes after the introduction of The Littering from Vehicles outside London (Keepers: Civil Penalties) Regulations 2018.

The new legislation means registered keepers can be fined for vehicles identified in a littering offence.

Previously the person responsible for throwing the litter from the vehicle had to be identified for a fine to be issued.

Cllr Iain Hewson, portfolio holder for leisure and regulatory services, said: “The increase in these penalties should reaffirm our commitment to tackling environmental crime in our district, particularly those who litter from vehicles spoiling the countryside and costing taxpayers to clean it up.

“We strongly encourage anyone who witnesses littering from a vehicle and any other crime of this nature to report it to our Environmental Health team, who will investigate and take the appropriate action where possible.”

Anyone can report environmental crime to Blaby District Council’s Environmental Team by calling 0116 272 7555 or email environmental. health@blaby.gov.uk.