Fines for bins out too early

Homeowners in Dudley face £75 fines for putting their bins out too early, it has been revealed.

A range of new fixed penalties for environmental offences have been agreed by Dudley Council bosses – including on-the-spot fines for people found putting out rubbish before collection day.

Previously fixed penalties were only issued in the borough for littering and dog fouling.

But a whole raft of other offences can now be punished on the spot in a move which is expected to generate thousands of pounds for the council.

Dudley Council environment boss Councillor Karen Shakespeare approved the new fixed penalties, proposed by the environment select committee.

She said: "Extending the range of fixed penalties will generate additional income for the council."

Under the changes people found dropping litter will get a fixed penalty of £75, the same amount as those reported to the council for putting waste out too early.

Dog fouling attracts a penalty of £50, while fly-tippers face a £75 fixed penalty.

The fines will not apply in the first instance for people under the age of 16, who will receive warning letters.

Fixed penalties will be introduced for repeat offenders, though they will be capped at £50. The fines will be rubberstamped by council chiefs on March 19.