Instant fines plan to combat anti-social behaviour

Litter louts and fly-tippers could face on-the-spot fines under plans announced by the Government today.

Litter louts and fly-tippers could face on-the-spot fines under plans announced by the Government today.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill would give councils more flexibility to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Bill is aimed at addressing concerns over the state of local environments and fear of crime.

It is intended to create cleaner, greener and safer neighbourhoods, thereby improving people's quality of life.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it had faced widespread demand to make powers available to local authorities to deal with irresponsible landlords and a range of specific problems more extensive and flexible and less ambiguous.

The Bill would enhance the powers of local bodies to tackle problems which reduce local environmental quality and various forms of anti-social behaviour such as litter, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, fly-posting and night-time noise nuisance and light pollution.

Councils and other bodies would be given more flexible powers to deal with offenders including on-the-spot fines.

The Bill would apply to England and Wales, but not Scotland or Northern Ireland.