Local residents count cost of littering

20 February 2013

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Woking Borough Council has successfully prosecuted two people for littering in Woking's Jubilee Square after being witnessed dropping cigarette butts by Council Officers.

Monica Ramkumar of New Haw, Addlestone and Alan Higgins of St Johns, Woking, were found guilty at Guildford Magistrates Court on Monday 18 February. Ms Ramkumar did not attend court, and was ordered to pay a fine of £75, a victim surcharge of £15 and the Council's costs in the sum of £250.

Alan Higgins pleaded guilty to dropping the cigarette butt in June 2012 and was ordered to pay £75, a victim surcharge of £15 and the Council's costs in the sum of £50.

Council Officers were on patrol in June 2012 when the defendants were witnessed littering. Both were cautioned and informed that they had committed an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. They were given the opportunity to accept a fixed penalty notice of £75, in which they had 14 days to pay, or be liable for prosecution. Neither defendant paid and the Council issued proceedings against them.

Commenting on the case, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Environmental Control, Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, said: "This case sends a clear message to others that the Council will not hesitate to take action where necessary. Littering is unacceptable and we must ensure that Woking Borough is kept clean in order for residents to take pride in where they live. Littering is an ongoing problem and the Council is committed to using its powers to crack down on this."

Litter enforcement patrols are carried out regularly across the Borough and fully trained Council Officers have powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone caught littering. This offence carries an on the spot £75 penalty or prosecution through the court with a fine of up to £2,500.

15 fixed penalty notices have been issued for the dropping of cigarette butts since the beginning of 2012.

For further information on litter enforcement, please visit www.woking.gov.uk/litter or call 01483 755855.