Fly-tipping fines could quadruple in seaside town

A increase in fines for littering, fly-tipping and a range of other misdemeanours is due to be considered by a Norfolk council.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has proposed penalties of up to £250 for littering - a 200% increase on the existing charge.

Fixed penalty notices (FPNs) could rise to £1,000, which is four times the existing amount.

The council's cabinet members have been asked to sign off on the changes at a meeting on Tuesday.

The changes are in-line with many other councils in England, such as Basildon in Essex and west Northamptonshire.

The report, to be discussed by councillors, said: "[The FPNs] are high enough to act as a deterrent but not so high as to be unaffordable to the residents of the borough."

FPNs can be issued by an authorised enforcement officer on the spot or sent by post.

Within the last four years, 115 FPNs have been issued, with 16% of these being escalated to prosecution - the council said. Offenders may face a lower charge if the fine is paid early.

Fines for other offences, such as smoking in a smoke-free place and selling multiple cars on the roadside, would remain the same.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.