A private firm could start issuing fines for littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping in North Somerset by the spring – months later than originally planned.
Council bosses had said the crews could be in place by the end of August but they are now set to be appointed ahead of next year’s tourism season.
Plans for scaled up enforcement were prompted by a spike in offences and a “really strong appetite” in residents for tougher action.
The proposals have been delayed after North Somerset Council voted to end the waste contract with Biffa and launch its own arm’s-length company.
Councillor Bridget Petty, the executive member responsible for waste and recycling, said: “It takes six weeks to train staff, which would pretty much take us up to Christmas.
“The big decision the council made to end the contract with Biffa has a lot of formal details and the same staff are involved in that process [as the enforcement contract].
“With the change in season it feels better to introduce it in the spring.”
The council is yet to name the company which will take on the enforcement contract but Cllr Petty said she believed one was lined up, and that it would operate year-round.
The firm will operate on a one-year trial.
People can already be issued £75 fines for littering, dog fouling and antisocial behaviour and other breaches of a public space protection order that covers the whole of North Somerset.
