Local authorities are issuing more fixed penalty notices for littering than ever before, according to new figures published by Defra.

The total number of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued for litter has risen by 32 per cent from 33,033 in 2005/6 to 43,624 in 2006/07. The figures also show that the number of payments arising from FPNs for littering has risen by 49 per cent over the period from 18,002 in 2005/06 to 26,818 in 2006/07. 

The statistics record FPNs issued for a range of offences that include noise, graffiti, abandoned vehicles and dog fouling.  Results show that 3,675 FPNs were issued for dog fouling, with an 83.4 per cent payment rate achieved overall.

They show that overall the total number of FPNs issued for nuisance offences across the whole of England has risen by 42 per cent from 38,062 in 2005/6 to 54,015 in 2006/07, with the overall national payment rate up to 72.4 per cent from 57 per cent in 2005/6.

Minister for Local Environment Quality Jonathan Shaw said:

“Ask communities what concerns them most about the area they live in and litter is near the top of list.  Residents are right to expect their council to take a tough stance.

“I’m encouraged to see that more local authorities are using the powers Government has provided to penalise people who are ruining our streets with thoughtless offences like littering".