Careless smoker receives hefty fine
Deborah Whittle, 41, of Dee Road, Lancaster, was issued with an on the spot fixed penalty for littering having been spotted by a council enforcement officer throwing a cigarette on the ground while in Queen Street, Lancaster.
Whittle failed to pay the fixed penalty and was summoned to court as a consequence.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe did not turn up at the hearing at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on August 22 and was found guilty in her absence.
Whittle was fined £400 and ordered to pay £65 towards the prosecutions costs and £40 victim surcharge.
Coun David Smith, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: “We have a beautiful district and we all need to take pride in it and work together to keep it that way.
“Litter comes in all shapes and sizes and the throwing of rubbish on the floor in our streets and public spaces even as small as a cigarette butt or piece of chewing gum will not be tolerated.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Anyone who drops litter is liable to an £80 on the spot fine if caught by a member of council staff, a Police Community Support Officer, or even a member of the public.
“Ignoring the fine can lead to even higher costs as the matter will then be pursued through the courts.”