Number of litter fines down by half in a year

THE number of littering fines issued by a town hall has halved in a year.

Calderdale Council handed out 38 fines last year compared to 104 in 2019 – a 63 per cent drop year-on-year, according to figures obtained by The Examiner.

John Read, founder of Clean Up Britain, said “serious fines and serious enforcement” are needed to tackle littering across the country.

But David Renard, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said councils “work hard” to keep public spaces clean.

Littering is a criminal offence which carries a maximum fine of £2,500 and can be tried in a magistrates’ court.

Councils can issue fines of up to £100, with discounts for paying quickly, instead of taking people to court. Failure to pay can lead to prosecution.

Clean Up Britain’s Mr Read said £100 fines are “pathetic”.

“Councils need to understand that only behavioural change will resolve Britain’s litter epidemic,” he said.

“A £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid in 14 days, is not going to change anyone’s behaviour.

“If local areas are to stop being litter-ridden – which most are – then we need serious fines and serious enforcement in this country. We have neither at the moment.”

Calderdale Council’s assistant director for neighbourhoods Andrew Pitts said the number of fines dropped because council officers focused on enforcing Covid restrictions last year.

“Although the number of fixed penalty notices issued in 2020 is slightly lower than in 2019, our staff continue to work hard to keep Calderdale clean and tidy,” he said.

“We know that most people respect this and dispose of their rubbish carefully, but those who drop litter in public places are committing an offence and could be fined £80.

“Not paying the fine could lead to prosecution through the courts and potentially a fine of up to £1,000.”

David Renard, environment spokesperson for the Local Government

Association, said councils “work hard” to keep public spaces clean – but the Covid-19 pandemic has “undoubtedly” impacted the number of fines handed out.

“Responsibility for clearing up litter lies with the person dropping it or leaving it behind,” he added.