Fines as smokers told to butt-out

by Will Davies Smokers dropping their butts in the street could be handed on-the-spot fines in a bid to clean up the borough. Fag butts and other smoking-related paraphernalia are the most common form of litter in Camden s streets. Camden

by Will Davies

Smokers dropping their butts in the street could be handed on-the-spot fines in a bid to clean up the borough.

Fag butts and other smoking-related paraphernalia are the most common form of litter in Camden's streets.

Camden Council officers are hitting the streets, handing out portable cigarette butt pouches and pointing out where smokers can bin their butts and empty packets responsibly.

Cllr Chris Knight, executive member for environment, said: "Smoking-related litter is a real problem in Camden.

"While tossing a cigarette butt on to the street may seem harmless, it is littering and does have a negative impact on the environment.

"There really is no excuse for people to throw their cigarette butts or empty packets in the street or open spaces.

"If smoking-related litter is disposed of responsibly, everyone can enjoy a cleaner borough."

Over three days last week they also issued 45 warning letters and five fixed penalty notices for littering.

Business owners who place rubbish outside before the collection times, creating a mess and blocking pavements, have also been issued with a warning.

w.davies@archant.co.uk