Four prosecuted over Oxford litter fines

The crackdown on litter is part of a council-run campaign

Four people have been prosecuted for failing to pay fines for dropping litter in Oxford.

The city council caught the offenders during a campaign last November.

The four people were fined a total of £440 and ordered to pay costs totalling £475 when their cases were heard by magistrates.

More than 350 fines were handed out in the crackdown last year with 83% of offenders paying. A further 18 cases are due to go to court.

Gail Siddall, environmental control at Oxford City Council, said: "These cases show that dropping litter and cigarette butts will not be tolerated in the city and offenders will be dealt with through the magistrates courts if necessary."

Fixed penalty notices for littering stand at £80 but fall to £55 if paid within 14 days.

If the fine is ignored, offenders could face a fine of up to £2,500.