A MAN has been ordered to pay more than £200 in fines and court costs at Teesside Magistrates Court after admitting littering in Redcar.
Following the case, visitors and residents were reminded that littering is a criminal offence and were urged to dispose of their rubbish responsibly, including on sunny days at the beach when the amount of littering often increases.
The court heard the 41-year-old was seen by a Council Environmental Enforcement Officer throwing a cigarette from his blue Fiesta car in Majuba Road Car Park, on Redcar seafront in October last year.
The Environment Officer approached the litterer, who gave his address as Birdsall Row, Redcar, and asked if he knew why he was there. The man replied “no idea” and the officer then explained why and that littering is an offence and cautioned him. The motorist was then issued with a £150 Fixed Penalty Notice (which would be reduced to £100 if paid within ten days).
Magistrates were told the fine was not paid but the accused had subsequently admitted to it in a letter to the court. The court then ordered the man to pay the fine and costs.
Following the court hearing, Cllr Adam Brook, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing, said: “Littering won’t be tolerated no matter where it occurs. It is sometimes noticeable that the amount of rubbish dumped on our beaches and areas of natural beauty increases in the summer months when people enjoy our area on sunny days, which is very frustrating. We urge people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly every time. So please be warned - our Environmental Enforcement Officers will do what it takes to enforce the law and protect our beautiful area for all to enjoy.”