Environmental Enforcement
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and its partners are working hard to make the local environment cleaner, safer and greener. Greater emphasis is being placed on efforts to improve quality of life for residents, discourage antisocial behaviour and raise standards.
Existing law and new Acts of Government such as the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 provide local authorities with the powers to tackle persistent offenders of environmental crimes. This has enabled authorised officers to widen their enforcement in tackling issues such as litter, flytipping, flyposting, duty of care issues (for residents and business premises), graffiti, dog fouling and abandoned vehicles. These are all offences which can cause negative feelings towards our borough and the quality of our local environment.
Additionally officers have statutory powers to investigate cases, gather evidence and where necessary to prosecute offenders. Where reasonable cause exists, the Environment Act 1995 (s108) provides authorised officers with the powers to require production of information to reveal the identity of offenders. In some instances, Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) may be issued; these are an alternative to prosecution in the courts if paid. More serious offences would be dealt with in court and may be liable to fines or even custodial sentences.
By following the links above you can find out more about the enviro-crime issues that the council’s Community and Environment Officers will be tackling. You can also download a summary of offences for which fixed penalty notices can be issued.