Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) has been criticised over its refusal to increase fines for fly-tipping and graffiti. Currently, TRDC issues £450 for fly-tipping, which is below the £1,000 maximum.
On Tuesday, January 13, councillors voted against a Conservative motion to raise all Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fines to their maximums.
A committee report submitted by TRDC council officers last month cautioned that using maximum FPN thresholds could lead to more offenders taking their cases to court.
Cllr Giles-Medhurst, TRDC leader said: “The current level of fines was proving effective. Sentencing guidlines would result in lower overall fines and unecessary, excessive costs for the council.”
TRDC leader of the opposition, cllr Cooper claimed higher fines would demonstrate seriousness in tackling fly-tipping.
He added: “Lower fines lead to higher levels of crime and less money available to the council to both prosecute and clean up fly-tipping and graffiti.”
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