Do private contractors issue more littering fines?

Yes, areas using private enforcement contractors, like Milton Keynes and Luton, report a significant increase in the number of littering fines issued.

Which councils issue the fewest littering fines?

Councils like Broxbourne, Central Bedfordshire, St Albans, and Stevenage have reported issuing very few or no littering fines in recent years.

Home / Environment / Litter Fines Soar: Some Councils Issue Thousands, Others None

Litter Fines Soar: Some Councils Issue Thousands, Others None

Q: What are the littering fine amounts in Bedfordshire?

Fines for littering in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire can range from £75 to £500, depending on the specific council's policy.

14 Jan

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Summary

Littering fines range from £75 to £500 across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.
Private contractors significantly increase fine issuance in areas like Milton Keynes.
Some councils issue thousands of fines, while others issue very few or none.

Litter Fines Soar: Some Councils Issue Thousands, Others None

Littering fines across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire can range from £75 to £500, with enforcement practices varying widely among local councils. A significant disparity exists in the number of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued, with some authorities issuing thousands annually while others issue none. This inconsistency is highlighted by stark differences in enforcement between councils that use private contractors and those that do not.

Areas employing private contractors, such as Luton, Bedford, and Milton Keynes, report substantially higher numbers of littering fines. Milton Keynes City Council, for instance, saw its FPNs jump from 45 in 2020-21 to over 7,000 in 2022-23 after engaging a private firm. Similarly, Bedford Borough Council issues thousands of fines yearly, largely for cigarette litter, collecting substantial amounts in penalties. Luton Borough Council also experienced a rise in fines after increasing its standard penalty to £500.