Welwyn Hatfield residents face fines for putting rubbish out too early

RESIDENTS could be fined �100 for putting their rubbish bags out TOO EARLY. Welwyn Hatfield Council has announced a crackdown on littering, dog fouling, flyposting, flytipping, abandoned vehicles and those who

RESIDENTS could be fined �100 for putting their rubbish bags out TOO EARLY.

Welwyn Hatfield Council has announced a crackdown on littering, dog fouling, flyposting, flytipping, abandoned vehicles and those who leave their bin bags out ahead of their allotted time.

Since April 2005 occupants have been forced to place refuse on their property boundary or it would not get collected.

At a cabinet meeting last week councillors decided it was time to get tough on persistent offenders.

Bags must only be placed out after 5pm on the evening before their collection day.

Councillor Clare Berry, responsible for the environment and the community, said: "Enforcement against offenders is being increased in 2009 to ensure our borough is cleaner, greener and a more pleasant environment for our residents and visitors.

"The council hopes that the penalties will act as a deterrent to persistent offenders and a warning, that environmental misdemeanours will not be tolerated."

On-the-spot fines will be handed out, and can be discounted if paid within 14 days; some cases however will be taken to court.

Fines include:

*Abandoned vehicle - �200

*Nuisance parking - �100

*Dog fouling - �75

*Littering - �100

*Early rubbish - �100.

*What do you think? Is it about time the council took action? Or is it wrong to fine people for trivial matters? Email whtimes@ archant.co.uk