EAST Hampshire District Council has agreed to increase the fine for littering across the district from £75 to £80, in an effort to raise more money.
In an officers report it said: “The current fine amount is not in line with the fee that can be charged for the offence and requires amending to change the fine amount for littering to £80, from £75.”
Councilors agreed, and voted to raise the fee accordingly so that those caught littering will pay an £80 on the spot fine, or be taken to court.
Enforcement officers policing the streets on the lookout for litterers are now employed by the council; when the scheme was launched earlier this year it was operated by a private company.
Originally the officers were uniformed and easily recognizable, but now they also operate ‘undercover’ wearing ordinary clothes.
The scheme has attracted criticism and praise equally, but is set to remain in operation.