A thousand fines for envirocrimes

Hounslow Highways has issued more than 1,000 fines for antisocial offences since 2013 to support Hounslow Council’s aim to make the borough cleaner, greener and safer.

More than 90 per cent of the fines issued by Hounslow Highways were handed out to people who were caught littering or fly-tipping. Fines of £80 are also issued to businesses who fail to dispose of their waste legally.

As part of a tougher approach to antisocial behaviour, regular, large-scale, highly visible action days by Hounslow Highways, Hounslow Council and Hounslow police have been taking place across the borough.

These joint operations – 71 so far this year – have helped people understand what they can be fined for, what the penalties are and, most importantly, what the council and its partners are doing to tackle antisocial behaviour in the borough.

Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Amrit Mann, said: “We will never apologise for taking action against those who think it’s ok to drop litter, dump rubbish or spit in our borough.

“The fines issued by Hounslow Highways are just the beginning of a new approach towards antisocial behaviour. There will be more enforcement officers on the streets and zero tolerance towards anyone we catch trying to ruin our environment.

“We need residents to support our work by doing things like cleaning up their dog’s mess and not littering or dumping rubbish.

“You can help us to help you by reporting issues to the council or Hounslow Highways. We will listen. We will take action. We will make the borough a better place.”

The action days allow Hounslow Highways and Hounslow Council to educate residents and businesses about correct waste disposal procedures. They will continue to be held weekly in littering and fly-tipping hotspot areas throughout the borough.

Hounslow Highways Service Director, Rob Gillespie, said: “To make Hounslow a cleaner and safer borough, it is important we continue our efforts to increase civic pride.

“Working with Hounslow Council, we will continue our crackdown on enviro-crime to improve the street scene and quality of life in the borough. If you can’t pay the fine, don’t do the grime!”

Report any fly-tipping or littering that you witness here.