Cambridge City Council to increase fines for some environmental crimes

Cambridge City Council is increasing its fines for littering, fly-tipping and other incorrect waste disposa

Fines for littering, fly-tipping and other incorrect waste disposal are being increased to try to stop offenders, a council has said.

Cambridge City Council said it issued 190 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) in 2022/23 for environmental crimes.

It has now approved plans to increase FPN charges, to help stop environmental damage to the city.

Councillor Rosy Moore said it hoped the increase would "deter those who commit environmental crimes".

Those caught littering in Cambridge could now be made to pay a fine of £225 - a rise of £75.

Fly-tipping fines are rising from £400 to at least £500, or up to £900 depending on how much waste has been dumped.

It follows a change in government legislation, which is giving councils the chance to boost fees to stop damage to the environment.

"It is important that [waste] is disposed of responsibly and legally," Ms Moore said.

"No matter how small or big the amount of waste, it is important that it is disposed of responsibly and legally.

"It poses a risk to our local wildlife and pets, plus it means that the council has to spend money to clean it up - money which could be much better spent providing other valuable services to residents at a time when we are all facing cuts to budgets and increasing costs."

Cambridge City Council added that those who pay their fines early will receive a 40% discount.