Magistrates fine smokers for dropping cigarette butts in Woking

TWO smokers have been orderd to pay nearly £500 after they dropped their cigarette butts in Woking's Jubilee Square.

Monica Ramkumar of New Haw, Addlestone, and Alan Higgins of St Johns, Woking, had to pay £480 in fines and court costs after littering the well-kept Square.

Woking Borough Council prosecuted after they were witnessed discarding their cigarettes and refused to pay a £75 fixed penalty fine.

Ramkumar was found guilty at Guildford Magistrates Court on Monday, February 18. She did not attend court, and was ordered to pay a fine of £75, a victim surcharge of £15 and the Council's costs in the sum of £250.

 Higgins pleaded guilty to dropping the cigarette butt in June 2012 and was ordered to pay £75, a victim surcharge of £15 and the Council's costs in the sum of £50.

Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Environmental Control, said: "This case sends a clear message to others that the Council will not hesitate to take action where necessary. Littering is unacceptable and we must ensure that Woking Borough is kept clean in order for residents to take pride in where they live. Littering is an ongoing problem and the Council is committed to using its powers to crack down on this."

Since the start of 2012, Woking Borough Council has issued 15 fixed penalty notices to smokers for the dropping  cigarette butts.