Litterers in the City of London will be forced to pay up to £150 in a new clampdown on people who drop their waste instead of binning it.
The City of London Corporation, governing body of the Square Mile, will brought in the increased fines from 1 April.
There are 64 on-street Big Belly Bins in the City for the public to use, which compact eight times as much rubbish as normal bins. And smokers can use over 900 mounted ashtrays to stub out and dispose of their cigarettes.
“The City is a world-class destination and we have a responsibility to make sure that it is kept clean and safe for businesses to operate, residents to live and visitors to enjoy.”
The updated powers mean that City Corporation Enforcement Officers now have the power to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) charge of £80 if paid within 10 days – and maximum of £150 if not paid.
They were previously £50 and £80, respectively.
Jeremy Simons, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Environmental Services Committee, said:“Nobody has an excuse to drop their litter or cigarette ends in the Square Mile.
“This increase strengthens our deterrent against such behaviour and sends a bold message to offenders who litter repeatedly.
“The City is a world-class destination and we have a responsibility to make sure that it is kept clean and safe for businesses to operate, residents to live and visitors to enjoy.”
The City Corporation spends £3.8 million a year cleaning the City’s streets and sweeps up six million cigarette butts every year.