Enfield by-law makes spitting in public illegal

Spitting has been made illegal in a north London borough after a by-law was introduced.

People who are caught spitting in public in Enfield will face prosecution and fines of up to £500.

The by-law does not cover people who spit in a handkerchief, tissue, bin, or containers.

"Spitting is utterly foul and disgusting and we're delighted the government has given us the power to prosecute," Councillor Chris Bond said.

"We can now get on with dealing with those disgusting individuals who want to share their spit with the wider community and send out a strong message to show that sort of disgusting behaviour won't be tolerated in a civilised society."

The council applied to the Department of Communities to approve the regulation prohibiting the anti-social habit.

Following a month-long consultation, communities secretary Eric Pickles confirmed the by-law. More than 4,000 residents were in favour.

Earlier this year, Waltham Forest Council introduced fixed penalty notices of £80 for those caught spitting.

However, it classified spitting as "waste", meaning a by-law was not necessary.