Litter louts have bin fined

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
24/08/2006

Litter louts who drop rubbish in Hammersmith and Fulham are being hit with a hefty fine as part of the council’s new zero tolerance blitz on anti-social behaviour.

Council enforcement officers, backed by the police, have issued the first £75 on-the-spot fines to make it clear to litter louts that their filthy habit will no longer be tolerated. From now on anyone caught dropping litter on the borough’s streets will face the same penalty.

Numerous people were fined in the first few days of the new clampdown on litter louts in the borough. Each was issued with an immediate £75 penalty, as part of the zero tolerance campaign.

Most of the offenders were caught discarding food wrappers, cigarettes, chewing gum or drinks cans. 

Cabinet member for crime & anti-social behaviour Cllr Greg Smith said, “Left over burgers, greasy chip wrappers and half eaten kebabs cause a feast for rats and cost the council millions to clean up every year, we’re now saying enough is enough.”

The tough new approach follows a poster campaign and a month long series of face to face warnings where officers explained the new rules to the minority of offenders who spoil the look of the borough for everyone else.

Cllr Smith says, “The vast majority of law abiding residents have been demanding that we take tough action on the anti-social minority who foul up our streets. We’re responding to that demand by hitting the litter louts where it hurts – in the pocket. It’s not rocket science; from now on litter louts have a choice, put your rubbish in a bin or pay the price.”

Posters promoting the zero tolerance message have been put up in the borough and people who continue to flout the law and refuse to bin their rubbish will score a fine.

Cllr Smith concludes, "We’re getting tough, our streets are not a giant dumping ground and we’re determined to make sure that the council’s new zero tolerance message hits home." 

The council removes more than 400,000 green bags, or 90,000 tonnes, of rubbish from our street each year.