Hull City Council is continuing to warn residents to dispose of their litter responsibly, to avoid a substantial fine or prosecution.
The warning comes after two residents, who failed to pay fines issued by the Council, were convicted in Hull Magistrates’ Court this month (February) after littering in Jameson Street and Whitefriargate.
Both residents were issued a criminal record and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £383 each.
According to Keep Britain Tidy, more than two million pieces of litter are dropped in the UK every day, which is an estimated street cleaning cost to the taxpayers of more than £1 billion a year.
Councillor Julia Conner, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “Despite residents being repeatedly asked to take their litter home or dispose of it responsibly, there are still individuals who think it’s acceptable to throw down litter. It makes the city look unsightly.
“At Hull City Council we want to make it absolutely clear that littering will not be tolerated.
“We urge residents to always dispose of waste responsibly and in accordance with the law, to avoid being fined or prosecuted.”
Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, makes it an offence for any person to throw down, drop or otherwise deposit and leave litter.
Anyone found guilty of littering faces receiving a £150 fine.
If the fine is not paid the case is passed on to the council’s legal team for prosecution.
Prosecution for littering will result in a criminal record and a maximum fine of £2,500.
To report persons responsible for littering (this includes littering from vehicles or businesses), visit Littering | Hull, or call, 01482 300 300.
Anyone issued with a fine for littering is urged to pay it to avoid prosecution. To pay a fine contact the Council’s enforcement contractor LA Support Limited by visiting Hull (fpnpayment.com), or calling 0800 781 6229.
