Stronger measures will be taken to protect environment
Hounslow Council has given the green light to its partner, Hounslow Highways, to clamp down on flytippers, graffiti vandals and litter louts.
Councillors approved a new enforcement policy at this week’s cabinet meeting (5 February).
Deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, Councillor Colin Ellar said: “We are investing £800 million into improving Hounslow’s environment for better roads and pavements, more litter bins and better street lighting.
"However we are not prepared to see the benefits of this multi-million pound investment spoilt by a selfish minority which seems hell bent on ruining our borough.
“We will be carrying out an educational campaign so people know that it’s not an option to drop litter, graffiti or flytip. But where education and awareness-raising fails, fair and reasonable enforcement will have to be the final option.”
There are 767 bins in the borough – including 100 with ash trays. And Hounslow Highways plans to install more this spring. The new policy will involve prosecutions of flytippers, car dumpers, graffiti artists and on-the spot fines for litter louts, issued by Hounslow Highways officers, running alongside an environmental educational campaign.
The move means Hounslow Council keeps a major pledge in increasing a presence of uniformed officers on the borough’s streets.
Cllr Ed Mayne, Hounslow’s cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, added: We are determined to crack down on flytippers, vandals and litter louts, however, I can assure residents our approach will be reasonable, proportionate and fair.
“This is not about making money – I would prefer not to have to prosecute or fine anyone – but we live in the real world and it’s crucial we tackle the selfish few who are spoiling all the hard work and investment we are putting in to make a borough we can all be proud of.”
February 8, 2013
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