Fines for environmental offences in Harrow are set to increase and cover a greater number of issues, the council confirmed.
Its cabinet agreed to consolidate all its fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for environment related transgressions, which is in line with many of those set out by the London Councils’ transport and environment committee.
Those caught littering will face fines of £150 as opposed to £100, while graffiti and fly posting FPNs will go up from £80 to £150.
Fly-tippers will be subject to £400 punishments, which is double the previous amount, while those responsible for abandoning a vehicle could face new fines of £200.
And those making excessive noise from their homes will now have to pay £110 if handed an FPN by council officers.
There are several other new fines relating to highways issues – such as causing obstructions – while punishments for street traders ignoring their responsibilities will be maintained.
According to a Harrow Council report, the changes will allow officers to “tackle low level environmental and highway crimes in a cost-efficient, effective means”.
It also anticipates they will have a positive effect on the borough’s environment, particularly when it comes to reducing fly-tipping and littering.
As well as this consolidation, the council agreed to renew its public spaces protection order (PSPO) for another three years.
This means fines can be handed out for various offences – spitting, urination and defecation, smoking in play areas, drinking in public, driving over pavements, and failure to pick up after dogs.
The council explained the previous PSPO was generally successful in helping to combat anti-social behaviour, for example the street drinking issues in Wealdstone.
However, it noted work still needs to be done to ensure problems do not return and to address situations that are ongoing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel