News In Focus
9 March 2010
Classes better than on-the-spot fines, says council
Education rather than fixed penalties should be the response to offences of dropping litter and dog fouling, according to Shetland Council.
The council is expected to ratify today a proposal to bring in compulsory classes to help people "understand the impact on the environment and the quality of life of residents".
Maggie Dunne, service manager at the environmental health department, believes the move is preferable to the on-the-spot £40 fines, which rise to £60 if the penalty is not paid within 28 days, with prosecution as the final sanction.
She said that a high number of fixed penalties were issued in areas of highest deprivation, resulting in serious disadvantage to people with complex and chaotic lifestyles.
The programme will teach people about the law, the environment, waste management, and the "feeling of the community". Offenders will also be taken on patrol with one of Shetland's four neighbourhood support workers.
Repeat offenders would still face fines, but only as a last resort.