New powers to enable councils to nearly double on-the-spot fines for littering and graffiti have come into force today.
Under the changes, councils will also be able to fine vehicle owners if it can be proved litter was thrown from their car for the first time.
Environment minister, Thérèse Coffey, said: ‘These new fines will tackle antisocial behaviour by hitting litter louts in the pocket, whether it’s litter that is thrown from a vehicle or dropped in the street.
‘Littering is a scourge on our environment and we waste taxpayers’ money cleaning it up – funds which could be better spent in the community.’
The Government warned councils that they must not ‘abuse’ the new powers and take into account local circumstances when setting the level for these penalties.
