Just 30 litter bugs hauled into court by Stoke-on-Trent City Council last year

Thirty litterbugs have been hauled before the courts in the last year after failing to pay fixed penalty notices for dropping rubbish in Stoke-on-Trent.

They were handed fines totalling £5,215 with the highest individual charge being £500.

The city council’s enforcement team is now warning other would-be culprits that they too could face the same fate if they are caught flouting the law.

To help achieve this aim, dedicated officers patrol the city streets in a bid to clamp down on people dropping litter. Those caught doing so are issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice.

If they pay this within seven days, it is reduced to £50. However, if they refuse to pay they will be brought before the Magistrates Court and could receive a fine of up to £2,500.

Councillor for green enterprise and clean city, said the city council would take a zero tolerance approach to anyone caught flouting the law by dropping rubbish on the street.

He added: “Our residents have told us that this is important to them. We have listened and will continue to take action.”

Litter not only makes the city look unattractive but can cause further problems like attracting pests.

Smoking related rubbish is now the UK's biggest litter problem, with cigarette litter reported to be found on 78 per cent of our streets.

Source: Stoke-on-Trent City Council