Take pride in Hertsmere and avoid a £75 fine

Do you ever get annoyed when you see litter lying on the ground?

It is unsightly and classed as an environmental crime and the council, in partnership with the police, is taking action.  From 1 February you can be fined for dropping litter including chewing gum and cigarette butts.

The fines will be issued as a fixed penalty notice (FPN) and have been introduced to help act as a deterrent and encourage people to have pride in Hertsmere.  It is also something that residents have said they wanted.

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder, said: "We asked residents in a survey before Christmas what they thought about us introducing fines for dropping litter and other environmental crimes and the vast majority supported the idea to help us improve the local environment.

"Nobody likes to see litter on the streets so we hope this will go some way to discourage people from doing it and also help instil pride in Hertsmere."

Fines will also be given to anyone found drinking in an alcohol free zone (AFZ).  These are designated areas set up in parts of Borehamwood and Potters Bar to help combat alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour.

The FPNs will be issued by police community support officers (PCSOs) and authorised council staff.  They will not be on commission to give out fines or have a set target but will issue them while out and about doing their jobs.

The fine for littering and drinking alcohol in an AFZ is £75.  However a discount of £25 will be applied if the fine is paid within 10 calendar days.  These are the default charges set under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.  All income from fines will be put back into combating environmental crimes.

The council is also looking at bringing in fines for dog fouling and other environmental crimes to further improve the environment and people's quality of life.

To help raise awareness of this initiative, the council is holding roadshows across the borough.  Drop by to ask any questions you may have and pick up some freebies such as handy wrappers to dispose of chewing gum or a butt box to get rid of your cigarette ends while on the go.  The roadshows will take place from 11am to 2pm as follows:

• Wednesday 20 January - Sainsbury's, Potters Bar
• Thursday 21 January - Shenley Road (outside Superdrug), Borehamwood
• Friday 22 January - Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Aldenham Road
• Tuesday 26 January - Tesco, Borehamwood
• Wednesday 27 January - Tesco, Potters Bar
• Thursday 28 January - Watling Street (near Budgens), Radlett

Find out more with our frequently asked questions