Big rise in fines for fly-tippers and litterers in East Lindsey to 'send a clear message'

The fine for fly-tippers in East Lindsey has more than doubled, taking the previous £400 charge to £1,000.

As of Monday this week (May 13), the new Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 will see people caught fly-tipping, littering and vandalising public property given an increased Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

The fine for littering offences - including dropping cigarette ends, spitting and urinating in public - will be increased to £250, while the fine for graffiti and fly-posting offences will rise to £300. Fly-tippers will see the biggest increase, with the previous fine of £400 now standing at £1,000.

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The fine for Household Waste Duty of Care offences - which occurs when people dispose of household waste via an unlicensed waste carrier - will also now rise to £600. Each fine for each offence carries an early payment reduction if paid within ten days.

Cllr Martin Foster, Portfolio Holder for Operational Services at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I fully support the decision to increase fixed penalty charges for fly-tipping and other environmental offences in East Lindsey District.

“This significant rise in penalties reflects our commitment to tackling these issues head-on and sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in our community. By increasing penalties and providing early payment reductions, we aim to deter offenders while also encouraging responsible waste management practices among residents and businesses.

“Remember, we all have a role to play in keeping our environment clean and safe. Together, let's combat fly-tipping and protect the beauty of East Lindsey for future generations.

"This decision also supports the Council's commitment set out in the 5-year sub-regional strategy where one priority is ‘Environment’ working with partners to increase biodiversity, discourage fly-tipping and environmental crime; maintain and seek to improve street cleanliness; work with communities to develop green spaces; protect and enhance built heritage and environment."

Any fixed penalty notices not paid within the timeframe given by the issuer will be passed on for court action. This could also lead to a criminal conviction on their records.

You can report fly-tipping incidents and other environmental crimes to East Lindsey District Council via its website: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/report.