FAQs

Our officers operate under clearly defined authority delegated by the local authorities we serve. They enforce all relevant legislation in full compliance with the law and in strict accordance with the local authority’s enforcement policy.

Yes, all our officers undergo thorough screening and vetting by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in full compliance with British Standard 7858:2012.

This is formalised through a contract or service level agreement with each council, which is approved and signed by both parties before any patrols are deployed.

No, all our officers are paid an hourly rate and do not receive any bonuses of any kind.

Yes, these exemptions are defined by the local authority’s enforcement policy and typically include individuals with verified physical and mental disabilities. In some cases, certain local authorities may also include additional exemptions, such as children and elderly members of the community.

These cameras are used to protect both the public and our officers from false complaints or intimidation by offenders attempting to avoid paying the issued penalty. The cameras are activated when the officer introduces themselves to the alleged offender and explains the purpose of the camera. The camera records only during the interaction and does not capture the alleged offence itself. The footage may be used as evidence or retained as unused material, depending on whether the alleged offender pays the issued Fixed Penalty Notice.

The final decision rests with the local authority.

Our Environmental Enforcement Officers are experts in their field, receiving intensive training upon joining and continuous professional development to uphold the high standards set by the local authorities they serve. Every interaction between our officers and the public is recorded using Body Worn Cameras. Any complaints against our officers can be directed to the local authorities, where they will be addressed in accordance with established procedures.

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued by an authorised enforcement officer to an individual who has committed a criminal offence. The notice offers the alleged offender the option to pay a fixed amount (determined by the local authority) as an alternative to prosecution, which could result in a fine and a criminal conviction.

The amount of a Fixed Penalty Notice is determined by each local authority in line with the penalty levels set by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The penalty amount varies based on the severity of the offence. [Click here to view the offences and corresponding penalty limits.

There are no formal grounds for appeal against a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), as it serves as an opportunity to effectively settle the liability of prosecution. While paying the penalty does not constitute an admission of guilt, it acknowledges that an offence has occurred, and by paying the specified amount, no further action will be taken by the council. This process helps to save time and costs for all parties involved, including the offender, as the Fixed Penalty Notice is typically much less expensive than the fines that can be imposed by the courts. For example, the maximum fine for littering in court can reach £2,500.

If you disagree with the Fixed Penalty Notice and believe you did not commit the offence, the matter will proceed to formal prosecution through the courts. The court will review the evidence and determine whether an offence occurred and whether a penalty should be imposed. Essentially, this means that the court process serves as the appeal mechanism for those disputing a Fixed Penalty Notice. It’s important to note that the financial penalty imposed by the courts could be substantially higher than the amount specified in the Fixed Penalty Notice.

The Local Authority is not obligated to place signs in every street, road, highway, or open space to remind people not to litter, leave dog mess, or inform them that patrols are active in the area. Littering and fouling legislation has been in place for many years, and local authorities nationwide are now actively issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to reinforce the message to those who damage our towns and cities by carelessly discarding waste or failing to clean up after their dogs.

Over the past decade, local authorities across the UK have invested considerable resources in both national and local educational campaigns. These efforts have included posters, advertisements, and articles in the press, as well as campaigns on social media, radio, and TV. Organisations like Keep Britain Tidy and Hubbub also play a vital role in raising awareness about littering and dog fouling. However, all the publicity in the world is ineffective if the message is ignored by irresponsible individuals.

As a result, we take our enforcement responsibilities seriously, supporting the important message with intelligence-led patrolling and real action. Our enforcement patrols are specifically designed to target those who choose to disregard the laws that the majority of responsible citizens follow.

You may face prosecution for the offence listed on the Fixed Penalty Notice.

Similar to signage, it is not practical for the council to place litter bins on every street, road, and highway in the borough. However, every effort is made to position bins in areas with the highest levels of foot traffic, such as town centres, major shopping areas, parks, and open spaces. In locations where bins are not available, it is the responsibility of everyone to act responsibly, either by taking their litter home or carrying it until a bin can be found.

Litter includes not only cigarette butts but also chewing gum. In many cases, these items are even more of a nuisance and more costly to clean up than other types of rubbish.

Smokers are responsible for ensuring that their cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposing of them in a bin. Cigarette waste is subject to the same litter laws as any other waste, and a Fixed Penalty Notice can be issued for improper disposal of cigarette butts. Care should always be taken to prevent any fire risk, and cigarette ends should be completely extinguished using stubbing plates provided on many litter bins before being disposed of. Additionally, there is no reason why smokers—who are aware of the need to dispose of their cigarette waste—cannot carry portable butt bins or create their own by filling a small tin with soil or sand.

You can submit a representation to the council using the contact details provided at the bottom of the Fixed Penalty Notice. In your representation, you can explain your circumstances, and the council will review your case. You may be granted an extended period to pay the Fixed Penalty Notice, depending on the outcome of the review.

The officers are assigned to areas of highest demand and will patrol locations with clear evidence of littering. It has been observed that town centres are hotspot areas, with cigarette butts being the most common item of litter found.

Disposing of cigarette butts in a drain does not make them disappear; it is still considered littering. Cigarette butts can block drains and pose a threat to waterways and wildlife. Additionally, when animals or marine life mistake the filters for food, it can be harmful to their health.

Littering offences refer to the dropping or depositing of litter and its abandonment. Even if you later choose to pick up your litter, you have still committed an offence if you originally walked away, and as a result, you will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

It is an offence not to clean up after your dog immediately after it has fouled, on any land that is open to the air and accessible to the public, including pavements and parks.

The following are not valid defences:

• I am coming back to pick it up later.
• I didn’t see my dog foul.
• I don’t have a doggy bag on me.

Use a doggy bag or a carrier bag to pick up the faeces. Ideally, it should be disposed of in a designated dog bin. If that’s not possible, take the bag home with you or place it in a regular litter bin.

It is an offence to fail to provide your name or to give a false address when requested by an authorised officer. You could face prosecution for not providing these details.