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Moorside South Residents Association |
Fly Tipping & Litter Problems
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NEW POWERS TO TACKLE ILLEGAL DUMPING AND LITTER
Local authorities get new powers from 13th June 2005 to deal with fly-tipping and litter as the first of the measures in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act comes into force. From today fly-tipping becomes an arrestable offence and the most serious cases could result in maximum fines of 50,000 pounds or five years in prison. The new measures mean that people caught dumping waste will also no longer be able to use the defence of 'acting under employer's instructions'. The hard-line approach is in line with the Government's commitment to tackle fly-tipping, at a time when new figures show there is an illegal tipping incident somewhere in Britain every 35 seconds. In addition to dealing with litter and fly-tipping, the parts of the Act that coming into force give extra powers to councils to deal with fly-posting and with the sale or repair of vehicles on the road as part of a business. The Act also reminds people that discarded chewing gum and cigarettes are litter and imposes penalties accordingly. Those dropping gum or cigarette butts can be given 50 pound on the spot fines, rising to 75 pounds in the near future.
Local Environment Minister, Ben Bradshaw, explained that the littering offences had also been extended to include all open spaces , including rivers, lakes, ponds and private property. In the past it was not an offence to drop litter on someone else's property. He said the new rules would give Local Authorities more power to tackle environment crime, and make everyone think about the environment around them. He hoped councils would use them to deter people from dropping anything, anywhere at anytime. "People want to live in a clean, pleasant environment, but we all have to play our part in ensuring that is what we achieve. Hopefully the new Act will see a change in mindset, improvements in our local environment, and pride restored to our communities," he added. Mr Bradshaw said he hoped to bring most of the remaining measures of the Act in to force by April next year.
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM ‘CITY OF SALFORD' WEBSITE
If you drop litter in Salford, you could face a £50 fine!
As a result of rules introduced in August 2003, police community support officers and city council environmental services staff are now able to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone seen dropping litter in the street. As part of their commitment to a litter-free city, Salford have now employed a number of enforcement wardens who are patrolling Salford and helping to clean up!
This is just one of a range of measures aimed at making Salford a litter-free city.
Please remember that this is something which you can help with. If you're out and about in Salford and you have litter - just bin it!
Litter Enforcement FAQs ...
Why are you doing this?
We want to achieve a litter-free city. The city council wants to encourage local people not to drop litter and instead help keep the city environment clean. If this means fining people, then this is something we must do. We want people to think twice before dropping litter.
When do these legal regulations come into force?
The regulations came into effect on 1 August 2003.
What’s the fine?
We will issue a fixed penalty on-the-spot notice of £50 for littering offences. Failure to pay can lead to further sanctions, including fines of up to £1,000 for each offence.
Who can get fined?
Anyone from 14 years and above who drops litter in a public place.
Where can people get fined?
Any public place including recreation areas, roads, pavements, land belonging to hospitals, schools, colleges, car parks … almost anywhere in fact! The city council intends to pay particular attention to areas where there have been littering problems in the past - including routes to and from secondary schools, outside shops and similar litter hotspots.
Do offenders have to pay the fine on the spot?
No, we will take their name and address and they will be handed a notice. They will then have 14 days to pay the fixed penalty fine.
What happens if they refuse to pay the fine?
Court action will be initiated, which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
Why will you fine people now when this has been a problem for years?
New legislation is now in place which means that the council has the authority to prosecute people for littering. The costs of providing a street cleansing service are rising all the time, and we must use every means at our disposal to clean the city and keep it clean for the benefit of all.
Was Salford the first council to fine people?No. Several local authorities now have the power to fine people for dropping litter but Salford City Council is among the first councils to actually enforce the legislation.
Under which legislation do these powers fall?The Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Highways Act 1980 and the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978. For all offences under these Acts, penalties may be imposed by either the city council or local magistrates or crown court, ranging from a fixed penalty notice to a fine of up to £1,000 for non-payment of the fixed penalty.
What are you going to do with the money collected from fines?
Fines revenue has to be paid to the Secretary of State. However, we are currently lobbying government to be allowed to plough this money back into keeping our streets clean.
What happens if there isn’t a litter bin nearby?
There are nearly 1,300 litter bins in Salford, so there should be one within walking distance of most litter hotspots. But if there isn't a litter bin handy, please be a responsible citizen and take your litter home with you.
If you have any suggestions or complaints regarding the siting, or non-siting, of a litter bin in your area- ring our Call Centre to bring the matter to our attention
What is the cost of keeping the streets clean?
Currently Salford City Council clears 20,000 tonnes of litter from the city's streets each year, costing local taxpayers around £2,000,000 per annum (correct at August 2003). This initiative helps save the council a substantial amount of money which can be put to much better use.
Who can help?
Everyone! Individuals, kids, parents, teachers, community groups, councillors – anyone. It’s your city, be proud of your environment. Please help us to keep Salford green!
Shouldn’t you educate people, not prosecute them?
We run several environmental awareness programmes aimed at kids and community groups called the Salford Pride project. And we're doing all we can to get the message across to everyone! This activity includes providing help and support to community groups, visiting schools with our 'keep the city clean' message. These litter enforcement fines are just one of a range of measures we deploy to help keep the city clean.
Who to contact for more information
Self-help community clean-ups
Damien Thornton
damien.thornton@salford.gov.uk
0161-909 6500
Litter Enforcement general enquiries
environmental-services@salford.gov.uk
0161-909 6500
To request a visit to your school or community group by Salford Pride
Beckie Eastham
beckie.eastham@salford.gov.uk
0161-909 6500
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