Holidaymakers heading to English beaches this summer risk fines of up to £2,500 if caught littering. Under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, dropping litter is a criminal offence, with penalties ranging from fixed penalty notices to prosecution in court.
Keep Britain Tidy has issued a warning: "Dropping litter is illegal. Authorised officers can issue a fixed penalty charge of up to £150 as an alternative to prosecution. If convicted in court, the fine could rise to £2,500."
John Roberts, chief services officer of Kingdom LAS, emphasised the seriousness of the offence: "There needs to be a cultural change. Littering is often described as a civil offence, but it is a criminal offence. If found littering, a person could face a fine of up to £2,500."
Experts from Wheeldon Brothers added: "As responsible beachgoers, it's crucial to remember that dropping litter spoils our shores and threatens marine life. By taking rubbish home, we preserve beaches for future generations. Many people forget that leaving waste can lead to prosecution or fines up to £2,500."
Roberts noted that many litterers underestimate the impact: "People may think a cigarette butt is too small to affect beaches and marine life, but millions of pieces of litter have an immense impact. If you go to the beach, it is your responsibility to take your rubbish away and dispose of it properly, otherwise you risk a £150 fixed penalty."
