Two thirds of Britons say littering and fly-tipping has exploded during lockdown.
The litter epidemic is laid bare in a survey by community and information platform InYourArea.co.uk and our nationwide network of newspapers and websites.
Despite a surge in dumping – linked to fewer bin collections – four in five said they were too fearful to confront fly-tippers.
A third of the 7,500 surveyed said the fine for littering should go up from £150 to between £250 to £500, 16% said it should be increased to £501 to £1,000, while 18% said it should be more than £1,000.
We are backing InYourArea.co.uk ’s drive, in conjunction with Clean Up Britain, for litterers to be punished more severely.
The campaign, Don’t Trash Our Future, is asking to increase the maximum punishment for littering to a £1,000 fine or 100 hours of litter-picking.
It also wants to make it compulsory for local authorities to enforce the law on littering.
John Read, founder of Clean Up Britain, said: “We are all so fortunate to live in a beautiful country, but equally, it’s so depressing to see so many people littering it.
"This has to stop, as it shames Britain.”
Jeremy Paxman, patron of Clean Up Britain, added: “There is only one sustainable and effective solution to littering: changing the behaviour of people who do it.”
The campaign is also backed by broadcaster Clare Balding and her wife Alice Arnold.
They said in a joint statement: “It’s very sad to see so much litter.
“RSPCA vets, last year, treated over 5,000 cases of animals who’ve been injured by, ingested or become trapped by litter.”
Sign the petition
Organise your own clean-up
As well as fighting for long-lasting change, we’re encouraging people to take up the fight in their streets too by organising community litter picks.
Register your interest through this form and In Your Area will support and publicise your efforts.
