Pollution Control - Litter Penalty Notice

Summary

 

Investigation, education & formal action in respect of (a) any person who throws, drops or otherwise deposits litter in any place open to the air, and leaves it, and (b), of businesses or certain organisations whose activities may lead to litter or whose land is littered, within Barnsley.

 

Eligibility

 

This service applies to all those who drop litter or wish to complain about litter louts.

 

Procedure

 

Council undertakes proactive patrols to witness offences, responds to complaints about littering and uses publicity and education to raise awareness (particularly with respect to secondary schools). Formal/informal action taken against offenders.

 

Helplines

 

Regulatory Services, Environmental Control Team: 01226 772540

e-mail eru@barnsley.gov.uk

Fax: (01226) 775699

 

Charges/Fees

 

Offenders can be issued with a fixed penalty notice and fined £75. Failure to comply or instead of a fixed penalty being offered, can result in a prosecution and fine up to £2500.

 

Methods of Payment Available

 

Cash
Cheque

 

How the customer can help

 

Always use a litter-bin, and encourage your children to follow the litter code - use a bin, and if there isn't one nearby, keep hold of your litter until you find one.

If you are complaining about litter that you want clearing from Council land, contact Neighbourhood Pride on 01226 770770.

If the issue is one that would benefit from more proactive work to reduce the litter problems in the first place, contact the Environmental Regulatory Unit, providing as much detail as possible about the location of the litter, where it is coming from, and who are the main culprits, as well as your details.

 

Leaflets

 

Litter and the Law, available from:

ENCAMS,
Communications Dept,
Elizabeth House,
The Pier,
Wigan,
WN3 4EX.

(01942) 824620

 

Distribution Points

 

Information leaflets are available from:

Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

 

Legislation

 

Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005.

 

Websites

 

www.barnsley.gov.uk
www.encams.org

 

Response Times/Next Steps

 

We aim to respond to all complaints within 5 days of their receipt.
Action can include patrols, improved publicity in the area, informal letters or formal action. A statement may be requested to support any evidence.

 

Owner Officer Contact Details

 

Principal Officer, Environmental Control Team
3rd Floor,
Central Offices,
Kendray Street,
Barnsley,
S70 2TN.

 

Additional Notes

 

Litter removal cost the UK £413 million last year. Litter can harm wildlife, people and the environment, and discourage investment in an area. A third of all fires attended by the Fire Service are related to litter and rubbish.

Officers will respond to complaints about dog fouling and straying, littering, fly tipping and abandoned cars, take action against those responsible, and try to prevent problems from recurring.

We are taking more direct enforcement action against those who spoil our environment, including proactive use of fixed penalty fines, and placing evidence of fly tippers before the court. Officers will also undertake proactive patrolling and surveillance to identify those responsible.

We are using publicity, media/signs, etc. to remind people and businesses about the environmental laws. We are advertising and liaising with communities about how they can comply. The Council is providing more litter and dog waste bins and continuing to develop high performance street cleaning.

The Council is also organising clean-up campaigns with community groups. We are working with other Council services and outside agencies to deal with an even wider range of environmental problems.

We are working with schools and pupils, to make them aware of their responsibilities and the laws regarding litter and environmental protection.

Useful Contacts

The Environment Agency
Tel: (0113) 2440191
www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Fly Tipping Hot Line
The Environment Agency
Tel: (0800) 80 70 60

To Report Streets, Verges and Parks etc That Need Sweeping or Cleaning

The Council's Neighbourhood Pride Team (Link)
Tel: (01226) 770770

Domestic Bulky Items Collection Service, Information About Household Waste Recycling Centres

The Council's Waste Management Service (Link)
Tel: (01226) 772045
Email: wastemanagement@barnsley.gov.uk

Collection of Abandoned Needles from 7am to 10pm each day
Tel: (07909) 930363

Help With Drug Use and Related Matters

The Barnsley Drug Action Team (Link)

Barnsley Alcohol & Drug Advice Service
Tel: (01226) 779066
Email: admin@badas.org.uk 

The Barn (under 18s)
Tel: (01226) 280532
Email: barn@barnypp.org.uk

Problems With Rubbish in Gardens etc

The Council's Environmental Health Service (Link)
Tel: (01226) 772540

National Guidance and Advice on Littering etc

ENCAMS (Keep Britain Tidy)
Tel: (01942) 824620
www.encams.org

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. Can I be Fined For Dropping Litter?

A. Yes, if litter or rubbish is left or dropped in a public place or highway, a fixed penalty fine or prosecution will result.

Q. What About Children?

A. Yes, the Youth Council agrees with the issuing of fixed penalty fines to secondary school pupils. The Council does issue fixed penalty fines to children aged 11 and above, which can be paid by instalments out of their pocket money. Alternatively, they can agree to and undertake a 2 hour Saturday litter pick instead of paying the fixed penalty.

Q. There Is Lots Of Litter From People Using A Nearby Shop? Are They Responsible For Sorting It?

A. Yes, in certain cases, some businesses can be made responsible for litter arising from their business on the highway, and required to clear it and take steps to control the problem.

Q. I Need A Litter Bin!

A. Contact Neighbourhood Pride on 01226 770770.

 

Related Links:

• BMBC Website
• Environment Agency
• Encams

Last modified on 16/9/2008