Twelve litter louts were ordered to pay over £350 each at Plymouth Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 22 March) after being caught dropping litter.
The twelve cases incurred Fixed Penalty Notices after the Council’s environmental enforcement officers witnessed individuals dropping litter on the city’s streets. Despite several reminders, the Fixed Penalty Notices remained unpaid, resulting in a summons to court for littering offences.
A further case also went to court after the individual broke Public Space Protection Orders and was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice after failing to have their dog on a lead in Stoke Damerel Park.
While one of the defendants attended the city’s magistrate’s court to plead guilty, the other twelve were found guilty in absence after failing to appear. They were ordered to pay £150 fines, along with £200 legal costs and a victim surcharge of £34. The original Fixed Penalty Notice was for just £100.
All thirteen defendants will now have a criminal record.
A Fixed Penalty Notice for littering is £100, however failure to pay can result in fines of up to £2,500 and a criminal record. There is no limit on fines for fly tipping.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Customer Focus and Community Safety: "Today we saw that once again littering will not be tolerated in Plymouth. People should not litter, it’s selfish and disgusting, but if they do and are caught they should take responsibility for their actions and pay their fixed penalty notice.
“We want everyone to play their part and help keep Plymouth a clean, thriving place for all.”
A full breakdown of the number of fixed penalty notices Plymouth City Council issue monthly is available at www.plymouth.gov.uk/envirocrime