Fines to be handed out for littering by a private company

Starting later this month, Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE) is being contracted by BCP Council to dish out fixed penalty notices of up to £150 to people caught littering. 

The contract, which is cost-neutral to the council, will see a percentage of each fine paid to BCP Council and reinvested into littering prevention. 

It follows a trial period with the company in which 990 fines were handed out to residents by WISE in relation to environmental crimes in the conurbation. 

Cllr Bobbie Dove, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: “This new approach is a direct and proactive response to the feedback we’ve received from residents who are tired of seeing people littering in this beautiful part of the country.  

“Littering is a crime and I’m saddened that a small minority of people think it is acceptable to drop litter across our town and district centres, greenspaces and beaches. 

Read more: BCP Council issued zero fines for littering over a year

“We know more about our impact on the environment than ever before, and that’s why we must take a stronger stance to protect our local area.  

“We need to protect the BCP region for future generations, so we hope that issuing fines will be a strong deterrent to those who think it acceptable to drop litter.” 

Bournemouth beach on the morning of Tuesday, July 20 during last year's heatwave (Image: Daily Echo)

Penalty notices can be issued for dropping litter of any kind, including sweet wrappers, crisp packets, chewing gum, cigarette butts and discarded items from vehicles and will be reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days. 

John Dunne, managing director of WISE, said: “We’re delighted to be able to extend our services to support BCP Council in tackling litter crime here in this beautiful part of Dorset. 

Read more: Three thousand pieces of litter picked up in one Bournemouth road

“Dropping litter is not only anti-social, it is a crime. Our company’s proven track record shows that we do have a positive impact and our officers are proud of the work they do in deterring people from flytipping, flyposting and littering.” 

During one summer weekend last year, council cleaning teams collected 70 tonnes of rubbish, and BCP spends £1million a year clearing rubbish from beaches.