More than 200 litter fines a week issued in Kent

Almost 12,000 fines were issued for littering in Kent in a year, new figures suggest.

Freedom of Information requests obtained by BBC South East show that a total of 11,792 fixed penalty notices were issued between April 2023 and March 2024.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy said fines are only a deterrent if people believe that they may get caught.

Both Medway and Tonbridge and Malling Councils said they took a "proactive" approach to litter.

Medway Council gave out the most fines in the county - over 3,895.

Canterbury City Council issued 3,051, Dartford Borough Council 2,126 and Tonbridge and Malling 1,757.

Last year the previous government announced that councils could increase fines for littering to £500 in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

In Tonbridge and Malling, first-time or small-scale offences will face a penalty of £250, rising to the maximum of £500 for larger items or repeat offences.

In December, Canterbury City Council announced their litter fines were set to rise from £150 to £200.

Swale Borough Council and Tonbridge and Malling are using private companies to help with litter enforcement.

Canterbury, Dartford and Medway councils have used a combination of in-house and external enforcement companies.

'Proactive approach'

Ian Gilmore from Medway Council said: "We take a very proactive approach - it's important people realise littering has consequences".

"Most people who are caught pay the fixed penalty at the first opportunity", he added.

"It's important people go through that experience and revise their behaviour".

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said it found using an external company was useful "both as a deterrent and to catch those who think it’s ok to throw rubbish on the streets or flytip waste in country areas".

A spokesperson said: "Having tested this more proactive approach over the last year we are now proposing to put it on a permanent footing to continue to make sure litter goes where it belongs, which is in a bin."

Keep Britain Tidy say there is a post code lottery nationally when it comes to litter enforcement

Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy said: "If local authorities are to enforce the law on littering, they need the resources to do it."

"At a time when many local authorities are struggling to fund even essential services, this is a challenge," she said.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) stands at £500 for littering and £1000 for fly tipping, with revenues ringfenced for enforcement and clean up.

Defra says local authorities have discretion to decide what level of enforcement is right for their communities, what level to set FPNs at and whether to contract private companies to support enforcement.

Canterbury City Council and Dartford Borough Councils were both contacted for comment.