08/06/2005
Fly-tippers face government crackdown
Local authorities have been granted more powers to tackle illegal fly-tipping and littering under new legislation.
Under the Clean Neighbourhoods Act, people can now be arrested for illegally dumping large quantities of waste. In the most serious cases, offenders could face five years in jail and a £50,000 fine.
According to the latest figures, a fly-tipping incident occurs every 35 seconds.
People will also now face fines of up to £75 for dropping chewing gum and cigarette butts in the street and littering offences have also been extended to include all open spaces, such as rivers, lakes, ponds and private property.
Commenting on the legislation, Local Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “Gum droppers and smokers chucking away cigarette butts can be given on-the-spot fines of £50, which will soon go up to £75. So why risk being fined when it’s so easy to just pop the butt or your gum in the bin?”
The new Act will also give local authorities extra power to tackle ‘fly-posting’ and the sale or repair of vehicles on the road and includes extra measures covering graffiti, noise and waste, which are due to come into force by April 2006.
Mr Bradshaw said: “People want to live in a clean, pleasant environment, but we all have to play our part in ensuring that is what we achieve. Hopefully the new Act will see a change in mindset, improvements in our local environment and pride restored to our communities.”
(KMcA/SP)
Under the Clean Neighbourhoods Act, people can now be arrested for illegally dumping large quantities of waste. In the most serious cases, offenders could face five years in jail and a £50,000 fine.
According to the latest figures, a fly-tipping incident occurs every 35 seconds.
People will also now face fines of up to £75 for dropping chewing gum and cigarette butts in the street and littering offences have also been extended to include all open spaces, such as rivers, lakes, ponds and private property.
Commenting on the legislation, Local Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “Gum droppers and smokers chucking away cigarette butts can be given on-the-spot fines of £50, which will soon go up to £75. So why risk being fined when it’s so easy to just pop the butt or your gum in the bin?”
The new Act will also give local authorities extra power to tackle ‘fly-posting’ and the sale or repair of vehicles on the road and includes extra measures covering graffiti, noise and waste, which are due to come into force by April 2006.
Mr Bradshaw said: “People want to live in a clean, pleasant environment, but we all have to play our part in ensuring that is what we achieve. Hopefully the new Act will see a change in mindset, improvements in our local environment and pride restored to our communities.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 May 2005
Government stick to gum litter fine plans
The government has announced plans to tackle the problem of chewing gum littering, by proposing fines of up to £75 for those who drop their used gum in the street. The scheme, which is backed by the government-sponsored Chewing Gum Action Group, is being piloted in three areas in Preston, followed by Manchester and Maidstone next month.
Government stick to gum litter fine plans
The government has announced plans to tackle the problem of chewing gum littering, by proposing fines of up to £75 for those who drop their used gum in the street. The scheme, which is backed by the government-sponsored Chewing Gum Action Group, is being piloted in three areas in Preston, followed by Manchester and Maidstone next month.
06 April 2006
Powers to tackle graffiti and littering come into force
New powers to enable local authorities to tackle a range of environmental crimes and anti-social behaviour, such as graffiti, littering and fly tipping, have come into force today. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, on-the-spot fines for littering, spraying graffiti and putting up fly-posters will be increased to £80.
Powers to tackle graffiti and littering come into force
New powers to enable local authorities to tackle a range of environmental crimes and anti-social behaviour, such as graffiti, littering and fly tipping, have come into force today. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, on-the-spot fines for littering, spraying graffiti and putting up fly-posters will be increased to £80.
21 November 2003
Tough anti-social behaviour powers receive royal assent
The government's drive to tackle anti-social behaviour was boosted today when the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill received royal assent. Measures contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 give the police and key local agencies new powers to deal with the anti-social behaviour that can blight communities.
Tough anti-social behaviour powers receive royal assent
The government's drive to tackle anti-social behaviour was boosted today when the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill received royal assent. Measures contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 give the police and key local agencies new powers to deal with the anti-social behaviour that can blight communities.
05 July 2013
Weekend Weather 'Much Hotter Than Expected'
Weather forecasters have said that the coming weekends weather is expected to be "much hotter than usual for the time of year". Highs of up to 30C are predicted for parts of southern England, with mid to high 20s across the rest of the country.
Weekend Weather 'Much Hotter Than Expected'
Weather forecasters have said that the coming weekends weather is expected to be "much hotter than usual for the time of year". Highs of up to 30C are predicted for parts of southern England, with mid to high 20s across the rest of the country.
26 February 2007
US court finds against Microsoft in MP3 patent violation
Microsoft has been slapped with a $1.52bn fine following a US ruling that it was in violation of patents held by French company Alcatel-Lucent. The Federal District Court finding in favour of Alcatel-Lucent could have far reaching consequences with potentially hundreds of firms that use the MP3 format technology.
US court finds against Microsoft in MP3 patent violation
Microsoft has been slapped with a $1.52bn fine following a US ruling that it was in violation of patents held by French company Alcatel-Lucent. The Federal District Court finding in favour of Alcatel-Lucent could have far reaching consequences with potentially hundreds of firms that use the MP3 format technology.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.