Environmental CrimeWe all know g raffiti, flytipping, dog fouling, litter and excess trade waste
make our streets look dirty. But did you know that this kind of anti social behaviour is a crime?
We can, and do, prosecute residents and businesses who commit environmental crimes. Our enforcement officers are working hard to tackle these problems every day to make sure envirocrimes are cleaned up quickly, and that the people responsible are penalised.
Find out more and how to report envirocrime
Find out how we are tackling envirocrime and how you can help us make Southwark a cleaner and greener place by reporting the problems you see on the streets.
Abandoned vehicles
Nuisance parking
Dog fouling
Flytipping
Flyposting
Graffiti
Litter
You can also report problems in Southwark and anywhere in London on  Your London - Access to London’s public and community services
Issuing fixed penalty notices/fines for littering or unauthorised waste
We issue fixed penalty notices to both individuals and businesses who are responsible for leaving litter or other waste in public areas.
We issue £75 fixed penalty notices, commonly known as fines, to anyone caught littering or £50 for leaving dog mess in public. The Magistrate's Court can also issue fines of up to £2,500 for the more serious crimes.
Fines issued in 2007
Month |
Number of fines |
| January |
180 |
| February |
223 |
| March |
164 |
| April |
168 |
| May |
196 |
| June |
397 |
| July |
279 |
What is a fixed penalty notice?
A fixed penalty notice is a fine. If a council officer believes that you have committed a littering offence she or he may decide to prosecute you for the offence. Alternatively she or he may issue you with a fixed penalty notice. Once you have paid the fixed penalty notice, the council cannot prosecute you for the offence.
Why have I been issued with a fixed penalty notice?
You have been issued with a fixed penalty notice because you, or your business, has been identified as being responsible for litter or waste left in a public area.
Make sure you dispose of your waste lawfully - that means putting your litter in a bin and not dropping it in the street. If you are in charge of a business, you have a duty to make sure your waste is disposed of legally. You must also make sure that your waste is under your control at all times, so it can't be blown away by the wind, or moved by accident.
What powers does the council have to inspect my waste?
The public highway is maintained by Southwark Council and we have the power to inspect waste in our jurisdiction in order to enforce the law.
What does the law say about littering?
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (the Act) gives local authorities powers to enforce the law against littering
- Section 87 of the Act says that a person is guilty of an offence if they throw down, drop or otherwise deposit or leave any litter in any place
- Section 88 of the Act states that an authorised officer, eg Southwark enforcement officer, may give a fixed penalty notice of £75, or £50 if paid withing 10 days, to any person who has committed an offence under Section 87 of the Act.
- View the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on the HMSO website
Can I appeal against my fixed penalty notice?
We will review your case if you feel a mistake has been made.
If you wish to seek a review of your case, you need to write a letter to us within two weeks of the fine being issued. Please quote the fixed penalty notice number, located in the top right hand corner of the notice, and send it to
Chief Finance officer
Environmental enforcement
Chaplin Centre
Thurlow Street
SE17 2DG
A decision will be made and we will write back to you within ten days of receiving your letter. If you are successful you will not be required to pay the fixed penalty notice. If you are unsuccessful you must pay the fine immediately.
When do I have to pay the fixed penalty notice?
You must pay the £75 fine within 14 days of receiving the fixed penalty notice, or £50 with the early payment discount, if you pay within 10 days. If you are sending a letter seeking a review, do not pay the fixed penalty notice until you have received a final decision letter from us.
What happens if I do not pay the fixed penalty notice?
We may start court proceedings and you may be liable for a fine of £2,500 for failing to pay the fixed penalty notice.
How do I make a payment?
You can make a cash payment in person, during normal office hours, at the address below or any of the council's one stop shops or cash office. Alternatively, you can post a cheque made payable to London Borough of Southwark quoting your FPN reference number to
Chief Finance officer
Environmental enforcement
Chaplin Centre
Thurlow Street
SE17 2DG
Contact us
Tel: 020 7525 2000
environment@southwark.gov.uk |