A total of 17 cases for unpaid fixed penalty notices issued by ABC Council for littering offences were listed to be heard at both Newry and Craigavon Courthouses early this week.
The escalating number of cases is a positive statement of the local authority’s intent to bring legal action against anyone who receives a fixed penalty notice of £80 for a littering offence but fails to pay the penalty charge despite receiving several warning letters.
At Newry Magistrates Court on Monday 4 April, some seven people from Armagh were have each ordered to pay a fine of £160 plus £145 costs. Cases due to be heard against a further four Armagh residents that day were adjourned until June, giving them an opportunity to appear in court.
Another six cases were listed to be heard at Craigavon Courthouse on Tuesday 5 April. A Banbridge resident was fined £100 plus £137 costs. A Portadown woman received an absolute discharge and was ordered to pay £122 costs. A further four cases were adjourned to the next sitting.
A council spokesperson commented: “Those who intentionally drop litter on our streets, roads or in the countryside should know by now that this blatant disregard for the environment is wrong and socially unacceptable.
We take a dim view of it and so do the courts. It’s only right that we bring the full weight of the law to bear on offenders who think they can commit environmental offences and get away without paying a penalty.
It’s high time they realise that their actions have consequences, and we will not let up until they take accountability.”
The council will be taking further action in the coming months against those do not pay fixed penalty notices for littering.
