Buxton woman ordered to pay £400 for dropping cigarette

Mary McEwan, of Alma Square, was clocked dropping the costly fag on Spring Gardens in May last year by an enforcment officer.

However she failed to pay the fixed penalty notice she was given at the time - which can vary between £50 and £150 depending on the council.

And after she ignored two reminder letters she was finally brought before magistrates at Derby Justice Centre - where she was fined £220 for the offence.

She was also ordered to pay costs of £150 and a £30 victim surcharge.

Councillor Jean Todd, executive councillor for climate change, environment and community safety at High Peak Borough Council, said: “Some people might think £400 is a high price to pay for dropping a cigarette but the cost of clearing up litter – however small the item discarded – falls to the council and ultimately tax payers.”

She added: “Keeping the High Peak clean matters to our communities and we want to support everyone in achieving this so we will not allow the actions of the minority of thoughtless of individuals to go unchecked and we will take action against anyone seen dropping litter.

“I hope the fine imposed by magistrates on this occasion acts as a warning to others that dropping litter has consequences and a reminder to dispose of litter responsibly.”