TWO individuals have been prosecuted by Cambridge City Council for littering cigarettes in Cambridge, one from a motor vehicle on Arbury Road and the other whilst on foot on Regent Street.
On Tuesday, 29 November 2022, at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, Jason Smith of Sackville Close was ordered to pay a total of £487 for littering from a car, which is a criminal offence under section 87/88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The court heard that Smith was witnessed throwing a cigarette from the window of a blue Renault on Arbury Road, in July 2022 by the council’s Enforcement Officers. Smith confirmed being the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offence and was issued a fixed penalty notice but failed to pay. The matter was referred to the court.
At court, Smith entered a guilty plea for the offence and was fined a total of £80, ordered to pay costs of £375 and a £32 victim surcharge.
On Tuesday, 29 November 2022, at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, Chloe Mills of Kingsway was ordered to pay a total of £494 for littering on foot.
The court heard that Mills was witnessed dropping a cigarette whilst on Regent Street in May 2022 by the council’s Enforcement Officers. Despite being issued a fixed penalty notice for the offence, Mills failed to pay, and the matter was referred to the court.
At court, Mills was not present and did not enter a plea. Mills was fined a total of £150 and ordered to pay costs of £310 and a £34 victim surcharge.
In 2022, the council issued 133 fixed penalty notices for littering in the city.
Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “It’s disappointing to see that there are further incidents of irresponsible people littering cigarettes in the city. Throwing your cigarette butt on the ground is littering, which is a criminal act.
“Cigarette butts, although small, contains toxins, such as nicotine, which if accidentally swallowed by children or animals, can lead to poisoning and other health risks.
“Litter also makes the city look untidy, uncared for, and invites further anti-social behaviour, as well being an avoidable cost to the community to have to clear it up.
“Helping to keep Cambridge clean is the responsibility of everyone who lives, works and visits the city. There is no excuse for people to litter and those who feel they are above the law will face consequences for their criminal action.”
