Zero tolerance on litter – message getting across

The latest ‘zero tolerance’ campaign by The Highland Council is proving that the message is getting across to people to not drop litter.   

During the two week campaign (4-15 July) covering Nairn, Grantown, Aviemore, Alness, Invergordon, Tain, Wick, Thurso, Dingwall, Fort William and Inverness only seven fixed penalty Notices were issued. The Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 introduced fixed penalty notices for littering and fly-tipping and the penalty is £50. 

The next campaign, due in September, will have a primary focus on reducing the amount chewing gum litter and will coincide with a national campaign aimed at reducing overall levels of chewing gum dropped on the streets.   

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee, said: “The recent campaign was the third in an ongoing series to crack down on littering in line with our zero tolerance policy.  Feedback gained by our enforcement officers suggests the public are more aware of the penalties for dropping litter and the need to keep their communities clean and tidy for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”