People who carry out fly-tipping, littering or who fail to pick up dog fouling in Knowsley will face fines as new daily environmental enforcement patrols commence across the borough.
In March this year the Council launched a new Environmental Enforcement team to be at the forefront of efforts to tackle environmental crimes in our borough and help make our communities cleaner and safer.
From today (Monday 24 August) the team will be carrying out daily patrols in local communities able to respond quickly to reports of littering, dog fouling or fly tipping hotspots.
Current legislation (including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005), gives the council powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to individuals caught littering or committing other environmental offences.
Fines
Fines are currently set at £150 for littering, £100 for failing to clear up dog fouling and £500 – minimum – and a possible prison sentence for fly tipping.
Income from any fines issued will be reinvested directly back into council services aimed at improving the borough’s environment. This will help to enhance street cleansing, waste management and public awareness initiatives – creating cleaner, greener and more pleasant neighbourhoods for everyone.
Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods Cllr Shelley Powell said: “Unfortunately there are some individuals who have no respect for our communities and continue to blight neighbourhoods across the borough by committing environmental offences.
“Daily patrols carried out by our Environmental Enforcement Officers will ensure enforcement is direct and those individuals are held accountable.
“Our commitment to providing this essential service demonstrates a clear focus on improving environmental quality and taking meaningful action against those who damage public spaces.
“With these changes, the council is taking a positive and forward-looking approach to protecting the local environment and boosting pride across the borough.”
Education
As well as issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to those caught committing environmental offences, officers in the team will be involved in community education and prevention initiatives.
This includes working closely with residents, businesses and schools, supporting community clean-up events, and providing a high-profile presence in hotspot areas.
How you can help keep Knowsley clean
– Dispose of litter in the bins provided. There are over 700 litter bins in the borough. If one is not available, keep hold of your litter until you find one that is, or take it home with you.
– Tie-up your own bin-bags carefully and use a bin with a lid.
– Report over-full public litter bins.
– Pick up after your dog and dispose of dog poo in a litter bin or at home.
– Report fly tipping, dog fouling and littering on the Knowsley Council website.
– Litter pick in your local area or join a local group in your community. Find out more about becoming one of Keep Britain Tidy’s #LitterHeroes Volunteer Projects | Keep Britain Tidy
Find out more about the penalties for environmental crimes.