Pay your environmental fixed penalty notice
It is illegal to litter our streets and open spaces. If we catch someone dropping litter, fly-tipping, flyering without a permit, or not clearing up dog mess, we'll issue a fine, also known as a fixed penalty notice (FPN).
About fixed penalty notices
A fixed penalty notice (FPN) is a fine issued instead of prosecution in court. If you receive one and don't pay it, you'll be prosecuted and may have to pay a bigger fine as well as court costs.
Receiving a fine
Under the law, our environmental enforcement officers have the power to ask for and take personal details from people known to have committed an offence. They can also issue fines there and then, but never ask for, take or accept money.
- If caught, you must give your full name and address to the enforcement officer
It’s a criminal offence to refuse to give personal details under Section 8(a) of the Environmental Protection Act. The maximum penalty for not providing this information is £1,000 and a criminal conviction.
If you rectify the offence after receiving a fine, such as putting your dropped litter in to the bin, the offence has still been committed and you still need to pay the fine.
Failure to pay a fine
- If a FPN is not paid, the case will progress to the local Magistrate's Court and the amount payable will likely increase substantially.