A RESIDENT has been ordered to pay a total of £619 for littering from a car, following a successful prosecution brought by Cambridge City Council.

On Tuesday, 15 November 2022, Cambridge Magistrates’ Court heard that Ivan Atanasov, of Britannia Road, Northstowe, was witnessed throwing a cigarette from the window of a blue Mercedes in East Road in April 2022 by the council’s enforcement officers.

Despite confirming they were the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offence and being issued a fixed penalty notice of £150 for the offence, Atanasov failed to pay the fine and so the matter was referred to the court.

At court, Atanasov did not enter a plea for the offence and was found guilty in their absence and fined a total of £220. Atanasov was also ordered to pay costs of £365 and a £34 victim surcharge. 

Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment and City Centre, said: “Throwing your cigarette butt on the ground is littering, which is a criminal act. It is damaging for our city, as it contains toxins, such as nicotine, which if swallowed by children or animals, can lead to poisoning and other health risks.  It also makes the city look untidy and uncared for and invites further anti-social behaviour.

“We take all levels of environmental crime very seriously and will pursue a ‘zero tolerance’ approach against anyone who chooses to litter or commit other environmental crimes.

“On this occasion, it was our enforcement officers who witnessed the littering, but I ask residents who see it happening to report it to us so that action can be taken to tackle irresponsible behaviour and keep our city clean and safe.”

To report littering, go to: cambridge.gov.uk/report-litter