Carl Smith, a resident of New Addington, found himself in hot water after being hit with a hefty bill of more than £800 for a seemingly small act – dropping a cigarette butt in public. The consequences of his littering landed him in court after failing to pay an initial fine in Bromley town centre.
The Cost of Littering
According to court documents, Smith dropped the cigarette butt in Market Square, Bromley, on May 23 this year. This action violated Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, resulting in a fine for littering in public. Despite having the option to pay a mere £100 for the initial fine, delays in settling the matter led to a substantial increase in his bill.
The Legal Fallout
Smith pleaded guilty to the offence in Bromley Magistrates’ Court and was ordered to pay a total of £833. This included a fine of £293, a surcharge of £117, and £423 in costs. This case marked the 12th prosecution for littering by the council since the beginning of September, with offenders collectively paying £6,129 to date.
Council’s Stance on Littering
Conservative councillor Angela Page, executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, emphasized the seriousness of littering as a criminal offense. She highlighted the significant costs associated with street cleaning, urging residents to dispose of their rubbish responsibly to combat the issue. Enforcement officers are vigilant in issuing fixed penalty notices for littering, with prosecution and higher costs following for non-payment.
As the council’s street cleaning teams work tirelessly seven days a week across the borough, the message is clear – littering will not be tolerated. Anyone caught in the act will face consequences, reinforcing the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.
Remember, a small act of littering can have significant consequences. Let’s all do our part in keeping our communities clean and free from litter to avoid unnecessary fines and legal trouble.
