News

Shepway Council is introducing increased penalties, which could include prison, for litter louts and others who spoil the appearance of the district.

It is increasing the fixed penalties for littering and not putting out refuse on the correct collection day from £50 to £80 and introducing a range of new penalties for other ‘environment crimes’ like fly posting, abandoning vehicles, graffiti and fly tipping. 

The proposed range of new penalties was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday (20 December) and include a penalty of £80 for flyposting and graffiti, £200 for abandoning a vehicle and £300 for failing to produce the correct documentation for the transport and disposal of waste. 

Cllr Hugh Barker, Cabinet Member for the Community said: “This sends a strong message to anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally spoils the appearance of our district – from carelessly discarded litter to deliberately dumped rubbish. 

“We have recently expanded our team of Environmental Community Officers bringing the total to eight, and are now in a position to be able to use all the available legislation to help keep our district clean for the benefit of us all.” 

The full amount of the fixed penalties will be reduced if paid within 10 days but if cases are disputed and go to court, maximum fines on conviction range from £2,500 to £5,000 and/or imprisonment.