A council is running a crackdown against litter being deliberately dropped on the ground

Almost 80 litterbugs in a Black Country borough have been fined for being too lazy to drop their rubbish in a waste bin after more cameras were fitted.

The perpetrators were caught in the act on CCTV. Pictured are a number of motorists throwing items out of windows.

placeholder image — Litterers caught in the act

The move is part of Walsall Council enforcement action against littering resulting in 74 offenders being issued with fines between June 29 and July 27 this year.

In the same period a further 144 fixed penalty notices were issued.

The council said the latest results followed the installation of 21 extra cameras bringing the total number of “enforcement resources” across the borough to 71 since March.

In one recent incident a lorry driver appeared to decide he that he did not fancy his freshly acquired orange chips and threw them from his cab window instead of using a bin.

Meanwhile council officers continue to hear a range of excuses from people issued with notices, including claims that “there wasn't any sign saying I couldn't litter” and “If I had known I would get a fine, I wouldn’t have littered”.

Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement, said: "Littering is completely unacceptable and there is simply no excuse for it. Whether it's a cigarette end, a drinks can or even someone's unwanted orange chips, if you choose to throw your rubbish onto our streets you should expect to face the consequences.

"All income from fixed penalty notices is reinvested into enforcement activity, helping us keep Walsall cleaner, safer and more welcoming for everyone."

Anyone issued with an notice must pay within 14 days. Failure to do so, following a reminder, may result in the case being progressed through the courts.