Time for offenders to clean up their act

It is a sight we’ve all seen when out and about. Someone casually dropping litter or chewing gum on the pavement.

It blights the appearance of our city but sadly those responsible rarely seem to care and would appear to have little pride in their neighbourhoods.

But now fines for these offences are to be increased to £100 in the hope those caught littering and spitting will be deterred by a heavier financial punishment. We can only hope so.

From Saturday, updated Public Spaces Protection Orders came into force across the city. They cover a range of things that are deemed as anti-social behaviour and fixed penalty fines have been increased from the pevious level of £75.

Other measures include a ban on motorcycles or quad bikes being ridden in any open public space; the requirement for anyone in charge of a dog to be able to produce a dog bag or other appropriate receptacle to clean up after it and a ban on skateboards, scooters, bicycles or self-propelled vehicles to be used in a way that would cause damage to property or annoyance to other people in the area.

The measures have been drafted after public consultation and clearly there is a desire among residents for those responsible for anti-social behaviour to be subjected to tougher enforcement action.

Fiona Brown, Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, said: "We hope the new £100 fines will make people think twice before getting involved in any kinds of anti-social behaviour."

Let’s hope so too. It’s time for offenders to clean up their act. Or clean out their pockets.