Littering prosecutions (FOI)

​Request

How many fines were issued in 2018 to people / premises for littering by dropping a cigarette butt anywhere in Jersey?

Response

Only two offences of dropping litter were recorded by the States of Jersey Police in 2018, neither involved cigarette butts.

Whilst it is the duty of the police to enforce all the laws of the Island, clearly some are given a greater priority than others. If witnessed by police, the dropping of litter will normally be dealt with by giving the individual ‘words of advice’ and the opportunity to redress the issue by putting their litter into an appropriate bin or by taking it home. This type of incident is unlikely to be recorded officially.

The dropping of litter is an antisocial issue which could, in certain circumstances lead to harm to others and / or the environment. The more serious cases, often referred to as ‘Fly Tipping’, are dealt with under Article 105 of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, which is administered by the Department for the Environment, now Growth Housing and Environment.

The States of Jersey Police would seek the help of ordinary citizens to lead by example, by disposing of their own litter in an appropriate manner.