Littering hotspots targeted in council crackdown

Fines for littering are currently set at £150, reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days

Locations regularly blighted by rubbish are to be targeted in a summer anti-littering campaign.

People are being warned they face fines of up to £150 if they are caught dropping litter across Oxford.

The council has teamed up with Oxford Direct Services (ODS) in the city-wide crackdown, which will include monitoring hotspots like the Cornmarket area and green spaces like Port Meadow.

Councillor Nigel Chapman said: “It is disappointing that some people show such little regard for the environment and their local community that they drop litter wherever they like.”

Littering is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which means a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) can be issued to culprits.

This includes throwing away food wrappers or uneaten food, dropping chewing gum and discarding cigarette butts.

Mr Chapman added: “Litter is unsightly, blights our public spaces, and can take years to degrade. It harms wildlife and can attract vermin such as rats.

“We’re committed to tackling this issue. By reducing litter in Oxford, the city and the parks can remain a pleasant and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

FPNs are currently set at £150, reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days.