Local authorities have been granted tougher powers to
combat fly-tipping and littering this week, as the first phase of the Clean
Neighbourhoods and Environment Act enters into force. The measures have been
introduced to combat the growing environmental blights, which latest figures
show have reached remarkable proportions.
Incidents of fly-tipping take place around the UK every 35 seconds, underlining
the seriousness of the issue. Under the new legislation, fly-tipping has become
an arrestable offence, with maximum fines running to £50,000 or five years
imprisonment, and the defence of ‘acting under employer’s instructions’
will no longer be acceptable.
More minor but no less problematic waste offences such as dropping chewing gum
and cigarette butts have also come into focus under the new laws, with an
increase in on-the-spot fines.
"Gum droppers and smokers chucking away cigarette butts can be given on the
spot fines of £50, which will soon go up to £75. So why risk being fined when
it's so easy just to pop the butt or your gum in the bin?" explained Local
Environment Minister, Ben Bradshaw.
"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.
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