Christchurch Borough Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers now do
much more than just enforce on and off-street parking
restrictions. From April this year they have not only been seeking
to educate those people who do not pick up after their dogs but
also those that drop litter. Whilst initially only strong warnings
were given, officers are now collating information in a report book
which may ultimately lead to offenders being issued with a fixed
penalty through the post. Currently, the fine is £75 for littering
and £50 for failing to clear up after your dog, under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Fouling of Land by Dogs
Act 1996 respectively.
In addition to the above, the work of
the CEOs
involves, amongst other things, working with local businesses to
ensure that their staff dispose of cigarette butts appropriately
after breaks, arranging for abandoned bikes and fly tipping to be
collected immediately, and collating evidence regarding businesses
selling vehicles on the highway, with a view to a prosecution.
Each of the seven CEOs in Christchurch have now
been attached to a Safer Neighbourhood Team and are contactable
through the council’s Senior Neighbourhood Management Officer, Andy
Jones, on 01202 495172.
10 fixed penalty notices have been issued by
CEOs/PCSOs for
littering/dog fouling offences since September 2008.