Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN)

You can be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for dog fouling, littering, breaching a public space protection order (PSPO) and failure to comply with a waste notice.
 

Litter can be:

  • Cigarette butts
  • Chewing gum
  • Food wrappers
  • Bags of rubbish fly tipped on the street

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) must be paid within the time stated on the notice to avoid prosecution.

What is a Fixed Penalty Notice?

A FPN is a notice that can be issued by our Community Protection Officers when a person commits an offence in any public or private place.

Why have I been issued with a FPN?

You have committed an offence that could result in prosecution. An FPN gives you the opportunity to avoid court. The committed offence is written on the FPN.

If I pick up the litter after a Community Protection Officer has approached me, do I still receive a FPN?

Littering offences relate to dropping litter and then walking away so even if you pick up your litter after being approached, you have still committed the offence and will receive a FPN.

There were no litter signs in the area I littered, why should I still receive a FPN?

We’re not required to place signs in every street, road, highway or open space/park to inform people about not dropping litter, even without a sign you’ve still committed an offence.

Why should I pay a FPN for littering when there were no litter bins nearby?

As with signage, it isn’t possible to place litter bins in every street in the town, although we do try to place bins where they are most needed.

It wasn’t safe to put my cigarette in the litterbin as it could have caught on fire but I was still issued with a FPN. Is that fair?

You are responsible for ensuring you stub the cigarette out properly on the stubbing plate provided or on the floor before being put it inside the bin. Cigarette waste is the same as any other waste.

If the item I dropped goes down a drain, do I still get issued a FPN?

Yes because the littering offence has still been committed even if litter is not visible.

How much do I have to pay?

The amount that you have to pay is written on your FPN. It must be paid within 14 days, however you can receive a discount if you pay within seven days.

  • Littering FPN is £80
  • Dog fouling FPN is £50
  • Public spaces Protection Order (PSPO) breach is £100
Can I pay the FPN in instalments?

No, the council cannot accept payment in instalments.

What happens if I don’t pay the FPN?

Failure to pay the FPN may result in prosecution. If convicted, you may receive a much larger fine and a criminal record.

Can I appeal the FPN?

No, you cannot appeal. If you choose not to pay the FPN, you are opting for your case to be heard in court.

Can I pay for the FPN to the Community Protection Officer straight away?

No, Community Protection Officers cannot accept any form of payment. There are a number of ways you can choose to pay the fine, which can be found on the FPN.