Issue - meetings

The Principal Officer from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) presented a report on the introduction of enforcement measures for littering from vehicles.

It was explained that littering was currently enforced as a criminal offence. However, it was often difficult to prove beyond reasonable doubt who had committed the offence. Officers were therefore seeking delegated authority to issue Litter Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).

Members were advised that the PCNs would be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle, in the same way that parking charges were administered.

Officers reported that this approach would enable the Civil Enforcement Team to use their time proactively while undertaking their parking?enforcement duties.

Members welcomed the report and commented that it was important to provide officers with appropriate enforcement tools, which they hoped would contribute to behaviour change around littering.

RECOMMENDED that

1) Civil enforcement of Littering from Vehicles be introduced.

2) The Civil Enforcement Team be given delegated authority to issue Litter Penalty Charge Notices.

3) The parking administration team be authorised to deal with appeals and enforcement matters in respect of Litter Penalty Charge Notices.

4) The Penalty Notice Charge be set at the level set by Council for Criminal offences where a Fixed Penalty Notice is served for Depositing Litter (section 87/88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990) which for 2026/27 subject to Council approval are proposed to be set as:

a) £250; and

b) £125 for prompt payment (within 14 days).

5) Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director Regeneration & Property to issue Penalty Notice Charges for Littering from Vehicles under The Littering From Vehicles Outside London (Keepers: Civil Penalties) Regulations 2018.