New fines for graffiti and fly-tipping in North East Lincolnshire

Abandoning cars, graffitiing and fly-tipping offenders will now face new fines in North East Lincolnshire.

More than 20 fixed penalty notices will be introduced across the region in a bid to reduce crime and avoid court costs, under council plans.

People in the region will also face fines for offences such as repairing a vehicle on the road and fly-posting.

Senior councillors on North East Lincolnshire’s cabinet approved the proposals after officers carried out a review of fixed and civil penalty notices.

The authority said the fines are an alternative to prosecution and will help raise money for the council.

Officials estimate that the proposals will raise around £10,000 for the next financial year.

Grimsby Town Hall. Photo: David Wright

It means offenders would avoid court action, but will still have to pay a fine.

Under the plans, culprits will face a fine of £150 payable within 10 days for abandoning a vehicle, but the penalty will increase to £200 after that period.

Both graffiti and fly-posting offences will be hit by a £75 fine, rising to £150.

Meanwhile, repairing a vehicle on a road will land a £75 fine rising to £100 if not paid within 10 days.

Other penalty notices look to deal with waste disposal and protect the environment.

Fly-tipping will now come with a £300 fine, rising to £400 if unpaid.

Businesses, such as letting agents, will also face fines under the new plans.

Agents who fail to display their fees and charges to clients face being hit with a £5,000 penalty.

Fridges, carpets, doors, tyres and kitchens were among the waste illegally dumped in North East Lincolnshire. Photo: North East Lincolnshire Council

Officers at the authority admitted that the plan could “attract negative publicity”, but added that it will help to reduce crime and “change behaviour”.

Councillor David Bolton, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said the new fines will help to “recoup the cost” of crime.

A report before councillors said: “The use of penalty notices delivers an ability to issue fines for a range of breaches of legislation such as graffiti, abandoned cars and fly tipping.

“These are matters that are frequently raised by residents and ward councillors throughout the borough.

“Resetting the penalty notice tariffs will give officers additional options when tackling regulatory crime and allows lower level crime in the borough to be tackled, using a quicker and more cost effective and proportionate response and which will provide a deterrent aspect which goes towards the need to educate not just enforce.”

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