'Excuses won't be tolerated' - Walsall Council warning on litter crime as new figures show how many people have been fined

And they have highlighted the excuses used in response to Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN's) of which 588 have been issued this year. This includes 22 cases ending up in court as a result of fines not being paid on time.

Walsall Council said its enforcement activity has remained consistent throughout the year as part of its wider effort to deter those who continue to blight local streets, parks and neighbourhoods.  

Excuses used by those who received FPN's included: "You have people you employ to clean it up" and  “I am a student new to the area, I didn’t know the councils’ rules on littering."

Another person who rolled down their window four times to throw litter out claimed it was due to a wasp in the car.

Councillor Adam Hicken, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities, said: “This has been a significant year for tackling those who continue to disrespect Walsall by littering, and the message is clear: if you litter in Walsall, you can expect enforcement action. 

“Our investment in extra CCTV and additional legal capacity will only see our enforcement get stronger. We are absolutely committed to holding offenders to account and keeping Walsall clean for everyone.” 

All revenue generated from paid fines is reinvested directly back into enforcement activity, supporting the operation and expansion of CCTV networks, monitoring, evidence gathering and further work to deter environmental crime. 

There are two free-to-use Household Waste Recycling Centres at Fryers Road, Bloxwich, and Merchants Way, Aldridge, and the council also provides a bulky waste collection service for those unable to transport items themselves.