Drop your litter and face the consequences, that’s the stark message from East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) who recently prosecuted a driver for dropping litter from his car window.
Back in January, an ENC environmental services officer witnessed a driver throw an empty cigarette packet out of his car window on Kettering Road, Thrapston. He was identified and issued a fixed penalty notice of £150 (reduced to £100 if paid within 10 days).
Despite reminders being sent, the driver failed to pay the fine and was then referred to court where he was offered the opportunity to enter a plea by post. Again, he failed to reply so the case went to Northampton Magistrates Court in August. He did not attend but was found guilty and received a £402 fine. (£220 fine plus a £32 victim surcharge and £150 costs).
Steven North, Leader of ENC, said: “All littering is an offence no matter what it is and we all need to take responsibility by using a bin or taking our rubbish home. And that’s not just to avoid a fine but to protect where we live, work, play and drive.
“I hope that this case serves as a warning that we will hold those who litter to account and we will pursue through the courts, if necessary. Avoid that hefty fine and do the right thing – bin it.