Litterers to Face Fines from Monday

Instant fines for littering in New Plymouth District will begin on Monday next week (9 November).

Tonight (Tuesday) New Plymouth District Council confirmed the adoption of a litter infringement bylaw which will see Council staff and the police able to issue fines of up to $400 to people midwho leave rubbish in public places.

“The instant nature of the fines and that there are so many litter control officers on the street should be an effective deterrent to those who leave rubbish behind or break glass bottles,” says Manager Customer and Regulatory Services Simon Pickford.

The litter control officers have been appointed among Council staff who are out in the community frequently – such as those from animal control, parks and solid wastes – as well as all police constables.

In recent years there have been increasing problems with broken glass in parks and on the roads, and with fast food litter left at popular public areas such as the seaside car park at the end of New Plymouth’s Hobson Street.

“The message is simple: Either dispose of rubbish properly in the bins provided or take it home for recycling or disposal,” says Mr Pickford.

“We would rather not have to issue any littering fines and instead have the public look after our landscapes – but if someone does litter in a public place, they’re likely to be fined for it.”

The fines range from $100 (such as for depositing a 1L plastic bottle) to up to $400 for larger quantities rubbish or for hazardous waste (such as broken glass).

In more serious cases, the offender may face charges through the district court.