Littering smokers fined for failing to pay Fixed Penalty Notices

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Six smokers have been hit with fines and costs totalling more than £2,000 after council wardens spotted them dropping their butts in the street.

The six were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) by the council’s new town centre enforcement wardens. The wardens issue FPNs for a wide range of environmental offences including littering, dog fouling and graffiti.

All six offenders failed to pay the FPNs issued to them and so were summoned to Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court where on Tuesday (13 March) they were each convicted of the offence of littering contrary to the Environmental Protection Act (1990).

• Bethany Young, of Eastgate, Whitworth, appeared at court and pleaded guilty. She was fined £75 and ordered to pay a £140 costs contribution and a £30 victim surcharge.
• Sarah Louise Lloyd, formerly of Wycherley Road, Rochdale, appeared at court and pleaded guilty. She was fined £75 and ordered to pay a £140 costs contribution and a £30 victim surcharge.
• Victor Walker, of Clover Hall Crescent, Rochdale, failed to appear at court. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay costs of £280 and a £30 victim surcharge.
• Wendy O’Day, of St Mary’s Close, Rochdale, failed to appear at court. She was fined £100 and ordered to pay costs of £280 and a £30 victim surcharge.
• Jamie Rogers, of Whalley Road, Heywood, failed to appear at court. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay costs of £280 and a £30 victim surcharge.
• Savannah John, of Swain Street, Rochdale, failed to appear at court. She was fined £100 and ordered to pay costs of £280 and a £30 victim surcharge.

Councillor Neil Emmott, the council’s cabinet member for housing and environment, said: “People who litter our streets spoil things for everyone who cares about what their environment looks like. The council has to spend a lot of money that could be spent on other services clearing up after people who are too lazy to get rid of their rubbish properly. I am pleased that as a council we are showing that we will take action where we can.”