Fixed penalty notices for littering
Littering is a crime which reduces the quality of life for people who live, work or visit the city.
In response to feedback from residents, visitors and businesses, Southampton City Council has appointed a team of environmental enforcement officers to reduce the amount of littering in the city.
The environmental enforcement officers can issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to people who are found to be littering.
What will fixed penalties be issued for?
A fixed penalty can be issued to any person who throws down, drops or otherwise deposits litter and leaves it. This could include:
- Throwing away food wrappers or uneaten food
- Dropping chewing gum on the street
- Discarding cigarette butts
- Other forms of litter such as wrapping
These fines are issued under the Environment Protection Act 1990 or the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
Paying your fixed penalty
The fixed penalty for littering is £100. This will be reduced to £65 if it is paid within ten days of the fixed penalty being issued.
Before you make a payment
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself a couple of minutes to fill in the form.
You will need:
Payment card (registered with 3D secure)
Reference number
Pay by telephone: 023 8083 3005
Zero tolerance policy
It is against the law to throw down, drop or otherwise deposit litter and leave it and the person responsible for littering can be issued with a fixed penalty.
The environmental enforcement officers do not need to issue a warning before issuing a fixed penalty for littering.
A fixed penalty can be still issued if:
- Litter is picked up after an environmental enforcement officer approaches the person responsible for depositing it
- Litter is put down a drain
- Litter is deposited on private land
If the person who is issued with a fixed penalty does not agree that they committed a littering offence and do not pay the fixed penalty the matter will be decided by a court.
The court will consider the available evidence and decide whether a littering offence was committed. The Court will usually impose a fine. The maximum fine for littering is £2500.
An appeal process is available to consider any disputed fixed penalties and avoid unnecessary Court proceedings. An appeal must be made with 28 days of the fixed penalty being issued.
How do I appeal a fine?
An appeal can be made in writing (either by email or post) and must quote the reference number on the fixed penalty notice (prefix of 'SN').
By email: environmental.enforcement@easthants.gov.uk
By post: FAO Environmental Enforcement Office Supervisor, EH Commercial Services Ltd., Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX
Appeals are run by East Hampshire District Council. Southampton City Council is unable to deal with representations. EHDC can be reached by telephone on 01730 234335
You will not be able to pay your fine through EH Commercial Services (EHCS).
Report a litter hot spot
You can tell us about areas of the city with a litter problem. Please confirm the location and include a map and/or photo of the area if possible.
Before you fill in this form
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself up to five minutes to fill in the form.
