CCTV behind a sharp rise in fines for littering

Cameras are being used to crack down on people throwing rubbish from their cars

CCTV cameras have been used to crack down on people littering across Bradford, with nearly 2,300 fines issued to people throwing rubbish from their cars in the last year.

Nearly 40 cameras have been installed at 18 locations across the city, resulting in 2,293 fixed penalty notices being issued.

People dropping takeaway packaging and food from their cars is a "persistent issue", councillors were told at a meeting of Bradford Council's regeneration and environment scrutiny committee.

A report for members added: "The implementation of litter enforcement cameras has been instrumental in addressing littering from vehicles."

According to the report, Bradford is the only city in Yorkshire to have enforced litter-from-vehicle offences.

Since April 2024, the council has issued 2,293 fines – up from 1,750 in 2023/24 and 657 in 2022/23.

Local Democracy Reporting Service, the 39 cameras are in the city centre, Bowling and Barkerend, Little Horton, Manningham, Toller ward and Windhill and Wrose.

Shipley councillor Anna Watson said: "The big issue is in areas [where] people go to for takeaways.

"For some reason people think it is a good idea to chuck everything out of their car window when they are parked up and have finished their food."

The council report said: "The cost of clearing this litter places a financial burden on the council, diverting resources from other essential services.

"By addressing takeaway litter and encouraging responsible disposal, the council can reduce these clearance costs, resulting in potential savings that can be reinvested into other projects and services."

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