Bedford Borough Council is increasing the Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for certain environmental offences, including littering and fly-tipping, in an effort to further deter anti-social behaviour and maintain a cleaner, more pleasant borough.
Effective Sunday 1 December, the FPN for littering will increase from £100 to £150 and the FPN for fly-tipping will now range from £300 to £1000 depending on the amount of waste fly-tipped. The FPN for residents who give their waste which is then fly-tipped to people without checking they are licensed to collect waste will increase to £600. This increase reflects the council's commitment to holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services stated, "We are committed to protecting our environment and making Bedford Borough a great place to live and work. Increasing the fixed penalty notices for these offences is a necessary step to deter anti-social behaviour and ensure that those who litter or fly-tip are held responsible for their actions."
Fixed penalty notices are a valuable tool for enforcing environmental regulations and promoting responsible behaviour. They provide a quick and efficient way to address minor offences without resorting to more costly and time-consuming legal proceedings. By increasing the penalties for littering and fly-tipping, the council hopes to deter individuals from engaging in these harmful behaviours and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their actions.
The council encourages residents to report any instances of littering or fly-tipping at www.bedford.gov.uk/Fly-Tipping. By working together, Bedford Borough Council aims to help keep Bedford Borough clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy.
While we encourage sustainable practices and the reuse of items, we must also ensure the safety and accessibility of our public spaces. Leaving items on the pavement for extended periods can cause obstructions, potential hazards, and visual clutter.
To clarify:
- If items are placed on the pavement for a brief period (e.g., a few hours), with the clear intention of offering them for reuse, and removed promptly, this is generally acceptable
- The items must also not stop people from using the pavement safely
- Leaving items on the pavement for extended periods is considered fly-tipping and may result in enforcement action, including a Fixed Penalty Notice
- Residents can leave these items on their wall or within the boundary of their property, e.g. driveway or front garden for longer periods of time.
Learn about ways to recycle and reuse more items, along with how to reduce waste in Bedford Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/ReduceWaste