Issue - meetings

Report ES17021

Members received an update report concerning use of Ward Security for issuing fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for environmental crimes.

From April 2016 to January 2017, 197 FPNs had been issued with 129 FPNs paid at £80 per ticket (65% paid). With an income from paid FPNs of £10,320, £5,160 covered the cost of Ward Security administration leaving a net income to L B Bromley of £5,160. 

Consideration had been given to further improving/utilising the resource through more intelligence led operations with customer and enforcement system data and use of local knowledge (held by Neighbourhood Officers and the Enforcement Team). The Enforcement Manager continued to work with Ward Security to improve the FPN payment rate with a 2017/18 KPI being provisionally set at 70%. Unpaid FPNs are reviewed by the Enforcement Manger and an evidence based decision made on whether to progress the case to formal prosecution. Final agreement to proceed with prosecution would be given by the Council’s Legal Services with the decision being based on the merits of each case.

Enforcement targeting was decided by the Enforcement Manager in conjunction with input from the team of Enforcement Officers. It was necessary to focus on areas of heavy footfall such as high streets to ensure the viability of the programme. An infringement needed to be seen before enforcement action could be taken. Bromley and Orpington town centres were considered particular “hot spots”. A Member enquired about more enforcement in residential roads to provide a greater deterrent; however, it was necessary to witness litter being dropped and it was important to focus on high profile areas of heavy footfall. Although not possible for Ward Security to use a dedicated enforcement vehicle (similar to mobile enforcement vehicles used for parking enforcement), the company used their own security vans and it was suggested the vans display key enforcement messages. 

Should a Fixed Penalty Notice period expire without payment, the case would be considered by the Council’s legal team for court action. A particular case taken to court in 2016 resulted in a £500 fine being imposed. Particular concern was expressed for the level of cigarette butts littering the outside of railway stations. Petts Wood station was highlighted. Members were advised of enforcement action in the vicinity of the taxi rank at Bromley South station. 

In view of restrictions on the use of surveillance cameras under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), the Portfolio Holder suggested the Committee might wish to consider a review on how effective camera enforcement might be undertaken in accordance with other possible legislation. The review could also cover how other boroughs might successfully undertake enforcement and whether there might be further good practice for L B Bromley to adopt. It was necessary to see more high profile enforcement action and increased fine levels to provide an appropriate deterrent. Members supported the Portfolio Holder’s recommendation. 

RESOLVED that:

(1) performance information related to the provision of enforcement against littering be noted; and

(2)  a future PDS review be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66