Dropping cigarettes in the street in Cambridge lands two smokers with bills totalling £981

Two people have been prosecuted by Cambridge City Council for littering after dropping cigarettes.

Jason Smith, of Sackville Close, Cambridge, was ordered to pay a total of £487 for littering from a car, which is a criminal offence under section 87/88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

He was seen throwing a cigarette from the window of a blue Renault on Arbury Road, in July 2022 by the council’s enforcement officers. He was issued a fixed penalty notice but failed to pay so the matter was referred to the court, where he pleaded guilty. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay costs of £375 and a £32 victim surcharge.

Cambridge magistrates also heard how Chloe Mills, of Kingsway, Cambridge, was seen dropping a cigarette on Regent Street in May 2022 by enforcement officers. She was issued a fixed penalty notice but failed to pay, so the matter went to court. Mills was not present and did not enter a plea, and was fined £150 and ordered to pay costs of £310 plus a £34 victim surcharge.

In 2022, the council issued 133 fixed penalty notices for littering in the city.

Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for environment, climate change and biodiversity, said: “It’s disappointing to see that there are further incidents of irresponsible people littering cigarettes in the city. Throwing your cigarette butt on the ground is littering, which is a criminal act.

“Cigarette butts, although small in size, contains toxins, such as nicotine, which if accidentally swallowed by children or animals, can lead to poisoning and other health risks.

“Litter also makes the city look untidy, uncared for, and invites further anti-social behaviour, as well being an avoidable cost to the community to have to clear it up.”

“Helping to keep Cambridge clean is the responsibility of everyone who lives, works and visits the city. There is no excuse for people to litter and those who feel they are above the law will face consequences for their criminal action.”

To report litter, go to cambridge.gov.uk/report-litter.