New Fixed Penalty Notices given the go ahead to help prevent littering
Environmental Enforcement Officers to patrol littering hotspots
An Environmental Enforcement Service with the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) has been given the go ahead at this week’s Cabinet meeting, in order to tackle the issue of littering in the city.
The service will be introduced in mid-April, with Enforcement Officers authorised to issue and process FPNs of £75 (reduced to £55 if paid within the first ten days) to members of the public who drop litter and cigarette ends.
Southampton City Council has joined forces with East Hampshire District Council, utilising four of their trained officers who will patrol known littering hot spots, issuing on the spot FPNs to members of the public who are seen to discard litter inappropriately.
Other Local Authorities have used the option of issuing Fixed Penalties for many years. It is a proven and effective deterrent and will be one of a number of measures that will be introduced to try and reduce littering in Southampton.
The council is asking residents to show the pride they have in the city by ensuring they dispose of their rubbish properly. We’re also asking people to think about the financial cost to the Local Authority of picking up litter, resources that could be used elsewhere. As well as the financial cost, we want residents to think about the environmental impact of dropping litter, with smaller items and cigarette butts making their way in to waterways and often getting washed out to sea.
Look out for our new communications campaign, with artwork appearing on digital poster sites around the city and on our social media channels. Please share the messages and encourage everyone in the city to take responsibility for disposing of litter in a socially responsible and environmentally friendly way.
Cabinet Member for Place and Transport, Councillor Jacqui Rayment, said: “It’s a great shame that a small minority of people do not dispose of their litter properly. We’re asking everyone to show the love they have for Southampton by not dropping rubbish or cigarette ends.
“It’s not only an eyesore, but is difficult and expensive for the council to constantly clear up, there’s also the environmental impact to consider. The introduction of the Enforcement Service will help to reduce the amount of litter in the city.”
