A London resident has been issued a £500 fixed-penalty notice (FPN) by Haringey council for placing a cigarette butt in a refuse sack that was awaiting collection on the street. The individual expressed outrage in a letter to a national newspaper, stating that the council considered this act as littering because the sack was not a public bin, even though it contained rubbish. The council threatened prosecution if the fine was not paid.
Cancellation of the Fine
After the newspaper approached Haringey council, it initially defended the fine, stating that an offence is committed when litter defaces a public place. It claimed that since a public litter bin was not used, placing the cigarette end in the bags constituted depositing litter. However, after reviewing the evidence, which it had previously rejected, the council decided to cancel the FPN.
Fixed Penalty Notices for Environmental Crimes
Fixed Penalty Notices for environmental crimes must be paid within 14 days from the date of issue. If payment is not made within this timeframe and no reasonable grounds for non-payment are provided, the case may be referred for prosecution at a magistrates' court. This could result in a fine of up to £1,000 for dog fouling and up to £2,500 for littering.
Different Rules Across Councils
Councils have varying rules regarding littering. For example, Redbridge council states that dropping litter on the street or in a public area is a criminal offence. Litter can include anything from cigarette butts to rubbish bags. The penalty amount is £200, which must be paid within 14 days from the issue date. Failure to pay could lead to a magistrates' court appearance, where fines of up to £2,500 and a criminal record may be imposed.
