Instant fines for anti-socials
Litter louts, illegal smokers and graffiti vandals, will soon be fined on-the-spot around the Island.
In response to public concern, from April 2, the IW Council introduces this new initiative. Built on the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005, it allows fines from £30 to £300 to be imposed by fixed penalty notice.
Offences will include dropping litter, including cigarette butts, spraying graffiti, fly posting or leaving refuse outside their homes too far in advance of collection day.
It will be similar to the Council’s strategy with dog owners who fail to clean up after their dog.
The fines will not be used to generate income, as the Council has been accused to profiting from car-park charges, and the Government from speeding fines.
positive use
The fines will be reduced if paid promptly. But offenders who do not pay up may face prosecution for the original offence and end up with an unexpected criminal record.
Fines will be issued by the Island’s eleven town centre managers, community support officers and dog wardens. In preparation for the introduction of the initiative, they will issue referee-style yellow cards. The aim is to educate people about their anti-social behaviour and warn them that it will soon result in a fine.
Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, Cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “I support the adoption of these new powers to deal with this type of anti-social behaviour, which can affect the quality of life for residents.
“I know officers have taken great care to ensure those staff authorised to issue FPNs are properly trained and will adopt a firm but fair approach to enforcement.”
leading by example
We are please about this initiative. We wrote only days ago about Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001, who showed that dealing with relatively minor problems in a highly visible way brings forward community support.
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