People in Hull are again being urged to dispose of their litter responsibly after residents who failed to pay fixed penalties were fined more than £7,000 and told they could face a criminal record.
Residents have been asked to use litter bins provided by the council or take waste home to be disposed of responsibly.
The calls come after 18 people were convicted for littering offences that had taken place in the city from October to December last year, resulting in magistrates issuing a total of £7,127 in fines and costs – an average of more than £395 for each person.
Keep Britain Tidy says more than two million pieces of litter are dropped in the UK every day, which is an estimated street cleaning cost to the taxpayer of more than £1 billion a year.
Under section 87 Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to throw down, drop or otherwise deposit and leave litter. Offences can result in a £100 fixed penalty, reduced to £80 if paid within the early payment period, or prosecution and a maximum fine of £2,500. For more details, visit Hull City Council’s littering page.
Councillor Rosie Nicola, Portfolio Holder for Waste Management, said: “Litter is unsightly and makes local communities look untidy and uncared for. Common litter items include fast food and drink-related packaging, sweet wrappers, bottles, gum and cigarette butts.”
“Litter does not clean itself away and it can take many years to degrade, causing harm to wildlife and habitats over time. Littering of takeaway food such as half-eaten burgers, chips and pizzas can potentially attract vermin such as pigeons and rats which is an additional problem.
“We want our city to look its best for everyone, which is why we should all do our bit to keep it clean. People who do not dispose of their litter will be fined in an effort to deter people from littering in the future.
“The important message here is that people who are fined are advised to pay the initial cost, otherwise the case will be taken to court and could result in much higher costs as a result of the additional prosecution action. A successful prosecution for littering means someone will have a criminal record.”
Fixed penalties for littering were issued by the council’s enforcement contractor LA Support Limited in areas including Newland Avenue, South Street, Suffolk Street, Beverley Road, Prospect Street, Brooke Street, May Street, Epworth Street, Margaret Street, Queens Road and West Street.
The council has other prosecutions pending. Anyone issued with a fixed penalty notice for littering should pay it to avoid a fine and criminal record. To pay a fine, call 0800 781 6229 or visit https://fpnpayment.com/Hull.
Hull City Council previously named Katrina Doy in relation to a littering offence. This was incorrect and the council apologises to Ms Doy for this error.
