Blitz on smoking-related litter
Enforcement officers in Carmarthenshire are warning smokers to stub out their cigarettes wisely in a New Year blitz on smoking litter. Local businesses are also being urged to take action to stop smoking-related litter. The Environmental Protection Act (1990) gives powers to local authorities to take action against individuals and businesses who create litter, and to get areas cleaned up. Smokers who flout the law can be issued with an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice of £75, and if they fail to pay, they face a court appearance and a fine of up to £1,000. Executive board member for environmental and public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “We have received a number of complaints about smoking-related litter in the town centres. “We are determined to improve the quality of the environment in Carmarthenshire for both residents and visitors and if that means fining people, then so be it. “It costs tax payers £2million a year to provide the service to clean the county’s streets, which is...