EHDC are to take ‘zero tolerance’ approach to littering and dog fouling. Litter louts and irresponsible dog owners are set to be hit with £75 on the spot fines under a new ‘zero tolerance’ campaign being launched by East Hampshire District Council.
The council’s Cabinet agreed on Wednesday (March 25) to set up a six month pilot scheme initially in urban areas and to extend it if it proves successful. Initially a contractor is being sought to provide two full-time officers to patrol streets and parks. The officers would have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices to people who commit offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
The notices will require offenders to pay £75 as an alternative to a criminal prosecution. A similar policy, introduced in neighbouring Havant has seen 4,275 notices being issued, making the scheme cost-neutral and supporting investment in community resources such as bins and promotional campaigns.
EHDC leader Cllr Richard Millard said: ‘People who deliberately or even unthinkingly drop litter or allow their dogs to foul pavements and public open spaces are a blight on all our lives. This policy is aimed at stopping this public nuisance. The zero tolerance policy means what it says – that there will be no excuses even for cigarette ends and chewing gum.’
In another initiative, the council is to meet with the Highways Agency and Hampshire County Council to launch a campaign aimed at motorists who throw rubbish from their vehicles causing an eyesore on roads throughout the district.
horndeanmatters 
Hi Guy, Havant CC have a similar scheme and they have some results. Could you ask EHDC to have a look at where the new surgery is about to open please. It resembles an ash tray and the inside of a rubbish bin,no doubt due to the fact the builder Linden Homes have not kept to their 106 and also supplied any rubbish bins. Spar shop say it’s the social tenants living in flats above new surgery throwing their rubbish out of windows and balcony . Easy earner for the EHDC warden, just sit and watch for a couple of hours.
I am delighted to hear of this initiative. Dog mess and litter are not only unsightly but can also be hazardous.
Are you aware that a number of dog walkers clear up after their animals but leave bags of excrement by stiles, gates, signposts and way Markers? And some even throw such bags into bushes or hang them on trees? And sometimes this is within 100 metres of a bin.
I am sure you will agree that such behaviour shows scant respect for the law, the environment or the local community. What can be done to improve matters? I realise that it would be next to impossible to prosecute people as someone would have to witness this antisocial behaviour, but short of collecting the refuse myself when I go out walking I don’t see what can be done.
I would be interested to hear your comments.
Sent from my iPad
Hi, the intention of the wardens is to firstly educate and help change behaviour but also to ticket where appropriate. A £75 fine should be a strong deterrent! Guy
When we are out and about and witness rubbish dumping snap them on your mobile if you can, Educate and help change behaviour might work if your talking to a child but never will if it’s an.adult, an immediate fine is the only answer, you can’t pussy foot around these people.
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