Litter Fines Skyrocket: Councils Accused of 'Trigger-Happy' Tactics

Fines for littering have seen a dramatic increase across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with some councils accused of being overly aggressive. Colchester City Council, for instance, issued an average of 146.8 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) per month last year, a staggering 160-fold rise from just 0.9 per month in 2022. This surge has led to public outcry, with locals claiming it's a 'money-grabbing play' as litter wardens have been observed patrolling private car parks of major retailers.

Concerns have been amplified by reports of overzealous enforcement, such as an incident where a woman was fined £150 for pouring coffee remnants down a drain, though the penalty was later rescinded. Richmond-upon-Thames Council also saw a significant increase in fines, averaging 117.8 per month last year, up from 33.2 in 2022. Similar patterns of increased enforcement are noted in areas like Buckinghamshire and Gwynedd, prompting criticism from groups like the TaxPayers' Alliance, who suggest some authorities are prioritizing revenue over sensible enforcement.

Further examples of strict enforcement include an 83-year-old in Reading being threatened with a criminal conviction for leaving a cardboard box next to a recycling bin, and another individual facing fly-tipping charges for placing a plastic mailing bag in a public bin. Even spitting or dropping a leaf has led to fines in some instances. While some councils report a fall in FPNs, the overall trend indicates a significant rise in enforcement activity, with councils defending their actions as necessary to maintain clean public spaces and respond to resident concerns.