Litter-crackdown council issues fines worth £13k in 48 hours

A Welsh council has issued almost £13,000 of fines in just 48 hours as part of a crackdown on littering.

Pembrokeshire council launched a campaign against “environmental offenders” on Monday.

The drive saw a team of enforcement officers patrol the streets of the county, handing out on-the-spot fines of up to £150 to anyone failing to keep the county clean.

Fixed-penalty notices can be given to people for a range of offences, including dropping litter, allowing dog fouling, and anti-social behaviour.

Over Monday and Tuesday, 85 fixed-penalty notices were issued.

At £150 each, the fines would cost £12,750.

If they are paid within 10 days, the fines are reduced from £150 to £75.

Councillor Pat Davies, cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said: “Although the vast majority of residents have pride in their county, a small minority neglect their responsibilities and these are the ones who we are targeting in this initiative.

“So, if you drop litter in the street or throw it out of your car window, or fail to clear up after your dog, beware – you may have a hefty price to pay for your actions.”

In comparison, Cardiff council issued just 184 fines for littering in the space of a year, about 15 a month, compared to the 1,000 Bristol issues each month.