CIGARETTE butt patrol officers hit the streets for the first time yesterday with those caught facing a possible £2,500 fine.
Basildon District Council’s latest anti-litter ruse saw environmental health officers on the look-out for smokers dropping cigarette butts.
Those caught face a £75 fine, which can be appealed within 14 days, but those who ignore the penalty notice face prosecution and a maximum £2,500 fine. The officers were targeting five “hotspots”; Basildon, Billericay and Wickford town centre’s, Felmores shops and Basildon Hospital.
Terri Sargent, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Residents want to live in a clean and pleasant environment and don’t want to see it blighted by cigarette ends.
“We hope the risk of a fine will deter people from dropping rubbish.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel