Stop, look and don’t litter!

Residents are being reminded they could face a fixed penalty notice for dropping litter as part of Hertsmere Borough Council's ‘Take Pride in Hertsmere’ initiative.

Council staff and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are cleaning up Hertsmere’s streets by carrying out litter patrols. The first of these took place in May, and there are more area inspections planned across the borough at various times this year.

Patrols are designed to encourage people to stop littering and be aware that dropping general rubbish or cigarette ends in public could land them with a fine.

PCSOs are stopping and talking to people about using bins provided as well as issuing fines to those not using facilities that are available.

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment portfolio holder, said: "The litter patrols will help to increase awareness among residents that littering is not acceptable in the borough. People seen dropping rubbish will usually be asked to pick it up, and if they refuse will be given a fixed penalty notice. People should take pride in the area, and not drop waste they can’t be bothered to either put in the bin or recycle."

So far there have been 10 litter enforcement fines issued since the start of February. This includes four in Borehamwood, three in Potters Bar, and one each in Radlett, Bushey and South Mimms. Each person caught dropping rubbish, or has litter traced back to them, is fined £75.

If there is not a bin handy when you need it, please either keep hold of your rubbish till you next come across one, or take it it home with you.

More information on litter fines