Colchester City Council is set to step up its fight against littering and fly-tipping this week, after appointing an enforcement company to dish out fines.
On 3 April 2023, the council began a partnership with Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement Services (WISE), who will be working to clean up the city and surrounding areas.
WISE works with dozens of councils to enhance enforcement against littering, including the dropping of cigarette butts, dog waste, and fly-tipping.
Under the new arrangements, individuals suspected of littering can be issued with a £150 fixed penalty notice. Dog fouling will attract a maximum £100 fine and fly-tipping a £400 fine.
The enhanced enforcement activity will see five WISE officers patrol seven days a week.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services & Waste, said: “We are not going to let up putting pressure on those who blight our city whether through littering, dog-fouling or fly-tipping. We want to ensure Colchester remains a welcoming, clean and safe environment for all.
“That is why we are stepping up a gear and bringing in external professional expertise to help us at no additional cost to the council.
“WISE works with dozens of other councils across the country and we will enhance the enforcement action already in place. But it is not just about catching people who litter, there will also be an element of education and community work.
“If you drop litter, you’ll get caught and fined. We are really upping the ante.
“We want our residents to be proud of where they live and the city as a whole, and along with the WISE enforcement team, we will be working across all areas to make that a reality.”
Page last reviewed: 3 April 2023