Zero tolerance patrols begin on dog fouling and littering in the Vale

27 July 2012

Private local authority support company XFOR will begin their one-year trial in the Vale of Glamorgan on Monday 30 July 2012.

Enlisted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, XFOR will help tackle dog fouling and littering incidents in the Vale, as a result of numerous public complaints of this type of offence reportedly increasing in the Vale.

A zero tolerance approach – where offenders will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 without warning – is being introduced to take a tougher stance on environmental crimes.

It is hoped the one-year pilot scheme will significantly improve the cleanliness of streets, parks and beaches throughout the Vale.

XFOR’s presence will mean even greater Vale-wide surveillance, including coverage over weekends and evening.

The council’s compliance and enforcement team will also operate a zero tolerance approach while the pilot scheme is in place.

Cabinet member for the environment and visible services Councillor Rob Curtis said: “Keeping our streets clear of dog excrement and litter is a key commitment of the new council which we are determined to deliver for the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan.

"Councils spend over £885 million a year on street cleansing. Yet this money could be better spent repairing our roads or repairing our schools or even refurbishing our public toilets.

"Dog fouling is not only unpleasant it is also dangerous. The biggest threat to public health from dog excrement is a horrible infection of the toxocariasis roundworm.

"Be warned that from 30 July we will be introducing a policy of zero tolerance towards littering and dog fouling. I know that this change in policy is supported by the majority of law abiding Vale residents.

"Only offenders who do not pick up after their dog fouls, those who drop litter and toss cigarette ends to one side may fear. Residents and visitors who do so are breaking the law, and do this at their peril.”

Fixed Penalty Notice offences specifically relate to the Environmental Protection Act (1990), Fouling of Land Act (1996) and Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (2005).

The pilot scheme follows a ‘no cost for the service’ approach during its trial. Every £75 FPN that XFOR issues will see 60% of the fine being apportioned to XFOR for their staff time and associated costs, while the remaining 40% will be reinvested directly back into the dog fouling and litter initiatives and equipment.