Drop litter, pick up a fine

Published by webmaster for Bristol City Council in Communities

Burger cartons, sandwich wrappers, discarded food, cans and bottles. They belong in the bin. Now the council has a strong message for those people who drop litter in Broadmead - this time it's a fine.

The council has powers to apply £75 fixed penalty notices for littering.

Between the 29th of January and the 2nd of February officers patrolled Broadmead to warn those who litter that the powers would soon be in force.

In six hours 20 were caught in the act and cautioned.

Over the next few weeks the warnings will cease and those caught littering will be fined. Failure to pay will result in a court prosecution and a fine of up to £2500.

Police Community Support Officers will support council officers applying the fines and CCTV will provide background evidence.

The move follows an education campaign in Broadmead, including posters, screen presentations and informal warnings.

Councillor Gary Hopkins, Executive Member for Environment and Community Safety, said: "There has been a long education campaign in Broadmead to ensure that as many people as possible are aware that we are introducing fines. We want to be fair about it. But now it is time to take action.

"Litter is a nuisance and a health hazard, and the vast majority of citizens want the problem cleared up."

Ends

Press release issued: February 28 2007