Smoker fined £50 for dropping cigarette butt in Bromsgrove

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A SMOKER who threw a cigarette butt out of a car while driving through Bromsgrove District has been hit with a £50 on-the-spot fine.

The incident in Whitford Road was witnessed by council staff who took down the person's registration number and traced the driver. After being contacted, the offence was admitted and the penalty was paid in full.

The action comes as part of the council's Love Where You Live campaign and, as part of that drive, waste prevention experts will be advising owners of town centre bars and pubs on how they can make best use of cigarette ash bins.

Posters carrying the 'Love Where You Live' message will also be sited at town centre car parks.

Coun Michael Webb said: “Unfortunately there are those who haven’t yet understood that just like any other kind of litter cigarette butts, packets and cellophane wrapping, casually discarded, becomes everybody’s problem.

"It can cause fires, looks unsightly and endangers wildlife.

“We’re asking people to love where you live – if you need to throw something away, please, think about it, bin it or take it home don’t just drop it."

Community groups are being urged to back the district council's campaign.

Anyone interested in finding out more can call Anna Wardell-Hill on 01527 881715.

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