Canterbury’s litter enforcement officers face criticism for focusing on easy targets in retail parks instead of high streets and tourist areas.
Canterbury: Enforcement officers in Kent are under fire for targeting easy littering fines. Residents say they focus too much on retail parks instead of busy streets.
The officers, hired by the council, are supposed to keep Canterbury, Herne Bay, and Whitstable clean. But many locals feel they’re just picking on easy targets.
Last month, a litter officer was seen at Wincheap Retail Park. Critics claim they mostly fine people in private car parks near shops, not in public areas.
Data shows a huge imbalance in fines. In two years, only four fines were issued for fast food litter, while over 5,600 were for cigarette butts.
David Kemsley, a local committee member, believes this shows where the council’s priorities lie. He argues that the focus should be on high streets and tourist spots.
He points out that the high number of fines for cigarettes compared to fast food wrappers is concerning. He thinks enforcement should happen in city centers, not just during the day.
Between April 2022 and April 2024, 97% of fines were for cigarette litter. Only three fines were given for chewing gum, and four for fast food rubbish.
When asked for specific locations of fines, the council initially said they didn’t keep that data. Later, they admitted they do but refused to share it.
The council argues that it’s reasonable for officers to patrol private land. They say litter from retail parks often ends up on public streets.
Emma Jaynes, a Canterbury resident, was fined for dropping a cigarette butt. She agrees that litter enforcement should focus on public areas, not private land.
Recently, a reporter saw four enforcement officers at the retail park while the high street was littered with fast food wrappers.
David Kemsley believes more officers in the city center would help clean it up. He thinks the goal should be tidiness, not just making money.
He criticizes the council’s argument about litter blowing from private to public land, calling it weak. The council, however, defends its policy and claims it has public support.
They say if people don’t want fines, they should simply not litter. The council also emphasizes its tough stance on cigarette butts, which are a major litter issue.
In addition to littering, officers also issue fines for dog-related offenses, like not picking up after pets.
