Harlow Council has issued over a hundred £50 Fixed Penalty Notices to people caught messing up the town. 98 of these were for littering - mainly people throwing litter from vehicles. Nine dog owners received notices for dog fouling offences. Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Cllr Eleanor Macy says:

"It's important to point out that penalising people isn't the only thing we are doing. It's part of our bigger agenda to clean up our town. We're doing this because making Harlow cleaner, safer and greener is a top priority for local residents. We will continue to clamp down on those who mess up the town, along with promoting awareness of our work, education and installing more litter and dog waste bins across the town."

Currently the Council is raising awareness of its enforcement work as part of the Together We Can ... Clean Up Our Town campaign. A month-long bus advertising campaign has been launched to help drive the message home to motorists. And as part of the Council's priority-led budget for this year, £10,000 has been allocated to fund extra litter and dog waste bins across the town.

Harlow Council first starting issuing notices in 2003. Following expansion of the council's enforcement activities late last year the number of notices has increased considerably, and since October 49 fixed penalty notices have been issued for litter. Money raised through penalty notices goes towards the council's enforcement activities.

91% of litter found on England's streets is down to pedestrians and people throwing rubbish out of vehicles - adding to the £450 million being spent cleaning up our streets every year.

It is an offence to drop, throw, leave or deposit litter (including cigarette butts and chewing gum) in a public place. Residents suffering ongoing anti-social behaviour or who witness any crimes against the environment should ring the It's your Call action line on 0845 605 2222.