Waste enforcement officers from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are heading out to a series of events this month, where they will meet the public to talk about littering. They have also put together a top ten list of excuses given to them by people caught in the act.
These range from “I couldn’t see a bin” to “There are no signs about not littering”. There will be no excuse about not seeing the signs as the councils have produced new banners to be put up in town centres where litter enforcement patrols are being carried out.
From 4th February officers will be out across the districts talking about the work they do tackling litter and fly-tipping and how members of the public can report offences and help with investigations.
Officers’ Top Ten excuses given by people caught littering:
1. I didn’t think a cigarette butt was litter.
2. It was already littered so won’t matter if I add some more.
3. I didn’t know it was against the law.
4. I didn’t know you could be fined for dropping litter.
5. I’d have to walk all the way over to the bin.
6. I keep the road sweepers in a job.
7. You go and stop others first, then I will stop.
8. It’s bio-degradable.
9. I couldn’t see a bin.
10. There are no signs about not littering.
Residents can meet the team tackling littering on:
Tuesday 4th February – Thame Market 8.45am–2.15pm
Friday 7th February – Wallingford Market 11am–1pm
Thursday 13th February – Henley Market Place 11am–1pm
Friday 21st February – Didcot at Cornerstone 11am–1pm
Friday 28th February – Wantage at The Beacon 11am–1pm
Friday 6th March – Abingdon Market Place 11am-1pm
People caught littering are issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice and an accompanying fine (currently £80 which can be reduced to £50 if paid within ten days). If they refuse to pay the fine, they can be prosecuted for non-payment, and if found guilty, will face higher costs.