| The fixed penalty notices have been mainly for cigarettes and the reason for the increase is that a new section was formed last year which now carries out more organised, pro-active litter patrols.
The figures were released following a Freedom of Information request by the Tele.
Legislation for on-the-spot fines for anyone caught dropping litter — including cigarette ends — has been in force since 1990, with anyone found breaking the law facing a £50 fixed penalty, which they have 14 days to pay.
With implementation of the Anti-social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004 the power to issue fixed penalties was extended to police officers. Failure to pay could mean a fine of up to £2500 at court.
Records began in 2005 and from December to March 2006 there were just seven fines issued.
From April 2006 to March 2007 the figure increased to 94.
There were 77 on-the-spot fines given out in Dundee between April 2007 and March 2008.
The figures show that from April 2008 to March 2009 166 fines were given out.
And the latest statistics show there’s already been 143 fines issued this year from April to September 2009 — that’s 309 fines since April last year.
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said, “Early in 2007 efforts to ensure cleaner streets across Dundee were stepped up as the city council’s litter patrols were extended beyond the city centre.
“Waste enforcement officers started patrolling in parts of Broughty Ferry, Lochee, Maryfield, Hilltown and the West End, allthough litter patrols had been carried out on an ad hoc basis in these areas since April 2005.
“In December that year a zero tolerance policy was brought in against anyone caught littering.
“Other initiatives have also been used over the years to discourage littering, including the free provision of ‘stub out pouches’ for the safe and convenient disposal of cigarette ends.
“According to recent figures, smoking-related litter was found to account for 62% of the total, sweet wrappers 42%, drinks litter 32% and fast food 9%. The rest was miscellaneous.
“Areas considered vulnerable to littering continue to be targeted by a three-strong litter enforcement team.
“Regular patrols are carried out across the whole of the city and appropriate action taken against anyone caught dropping litter.”
A spokesperson for Keep Scotland Tidy said, “Smoking-related litter is the most common type of litter on the streets of Scotland.
“Surveys show that over half of our streets have some form of smoking-related litter including cigarette butts, matches and packaging.
“However, in our towns and cities this figure rises to 75%. Around 122 tons of cigarette butts and cigarette-related litter is dropped every day in the UK.
“These relatively small items prove to be a big headache for those who have to clean them up. They can easily become trapped between paving stones and be washed into drains causing blockages and flooding.”
Cigarette butts leak toxins that contaminate water and harm marine life and the environment.
Some smokers think butts will biodegrade quickly — but because of their plastic content, experts believe they could take 500 years to disappear.
Many people seem to be unaware that smoking related items, such as cigarette ends and matches, are litter.
However, a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice for inappropriately disposing of a cigarette end can be issued — the same as for dropping a drinks can. |
