Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for crimes

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is served by an authorised enforcement officer to a person who has committed a criminal offence. They may be issued on the spot or through the post. 

They can be used for:

• dropping litter
• dog fouling
• smoking in a smoke-free area
• dumping waste (fly-tipping)
• failing to produce Waste Transfer Notes on request by an authorised officer
• failing in your duty of care to dispose of waste or refuse correctly (for example, employing an unregistered waste disposal firm or tradespeople)

Find out more about how to report crime.

How we issue FPNs

You should be aware that:

• we do not give warnings before issuing an FPN
• we are not required to put up signs telling you to comply with the law
• we are not required to provide litter bins everywhere
• dropping cigarette butts or chewing gum is a littering offence
• even if you volunteer to pick up litter you have dropped, you can still expect an FPN

FPN charges

FPN charges include:

• smoke-free offence: £50 payable within 29 days of issue, reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days
• dog fouling: £50, no early payment discount
• littering: £100 payable within 14 days of issue, reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days
• fly-tipping: £400, reduced to £300 if paid within 14 days

Challenge an FPN

You can challenge an FPN if:

• you want to submit reasons why you think it should not have been issued
• you are struggling financially and want extra time to pay

Contact us within 14 days from the date of the FPN using the online form below.

Start now

Not paying an FPN

If you do not pay an FPN and the offence is tried in court, it may result in a criminal conviction with a bigger fine, court costs and a criminal record.

It is an offence to fail to give your name, or to give a false address, to an authorised officer when asked. You could be prosecuted for failing to give these details.