By Litterbugs and dog owners fined for messing up the borough
North East Lincolnshire Council issued over 1,700 fines in 2020 for litter, cycling and dog control offences, according to the latest figures.
In 2018, the council introduced private patrols for litter and dog fouling.
A borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) now covers not picking up dog mess, not carrying the means to pick up after your dog and to put your dog on a lead when told to do so by an authorised officer.
In 2020, a total of 1,245 fixed penalty notices were given for littering and 145 for dog fouling and dog control offences.
Officers also started fining people for cycling in the pedestrian zone in Grimsby town centre in July 2019.
Last year saw 311 people issued with fines for cycling in the pedestrianised area of Victoria Street, Grimsby.
Councillor Ron Shepherd said:
“We want our streets, parks and beaches to be clean, safe and attractive places for people to enjoy. If you choose to drop litter, leave dog mess on the floor, or worry shoppers by cycling in the pedestrian zone, we will fine you.
“Most people know litter goes in a bin and most dog owners take responsibility for their pets, but a small minority don’t.
“Enforcement patrols are here to protect the environment and act as a deterrent to litter louts, irresponsible dog owners and those who put others at risk by cycling in the town centre.
“They’ve had to adapt the way they work because of the pandemic yet maintain a helpful presence on the streets and help keep the area tidy.
“When the Council consulted the public about environmental offences such as litter and dog fouling, the overwhelming majority said they wanted to see tougher enforcement.
“We listen to what people tell us and these statistics show we are taking action against those who choose to mess up our area.”
Anyone who chooses not to pay the fixed penalty fine of £100 can be taken to court and prosecuted for the original offence – 145 people were taken to court after they failed to pay.
This meant that average, offenders came away with court bills of £339 for littering and £400 for cycling in the pedestrian zone.
In most cases, these penalties are much higher than the £100 fines initially given for the offences.
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