Court Fine For Banana Skin Litterer

A motorist who threw a banana skin through his car window has been forced to pay £340 for littering by Rhondda Magistrates’ Court.

The case was brought to trial by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Streetcare Enforcement Unit as a direct violation of section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Andrew John Ward of Alexandra Road, Treforest discarded a banana skin through the window of his vehicle on December 17th 2008 on the Upper Boat Roundabout, Treforest. The incident was witnessed by a Council Enforcement Officer for the Streetcare Environmental Services.

The vehicle’s registration number was taken and Ward’s details were obtained from the DVLA. He was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 for the offence.

Ward visited the Council’s offices and admitted he was the driver of the vehicle and had indeed discarded the banana skin but said as it was biodegradable it was not a littering offence.

He was informed this was a littering offence and that payment must be made within 14 days following the date of the notice. When this did not occur Magistrates’ Court proceedings began.

Ward was found guilty of the offence and fined £75 with £250 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Service Director for Streetcare Nigel Wheeler said: “Such cases reinforce our stance in ensuring that Rhondda Cynon Taf becomes a litter-free zone. In carrying out such enforcements we are sending a clear message to residents and visitors that we will not tolerate those who deliberately flout the law.”