THE introduction of fines for dropping litter such as cigarette butts – causing some online outrage – will ensure that the bigger issue of fly tipping can be tackled, councillors have heard.

A debate on the recently introduced fixed penalty notices for littering, dog fouling, fly posting and graffiti saw a number of concerns raised by councillors that certain people and areas were being targeted.

John Dunne, a representative of District Enforcement, the private company undertaking the pilot scheme for Pembrokeshire County Council, said that the areas targeted were decided based on strategy and informed by complaints from the public.

Richard Brown, head of environmental services and public protection, said in response to accusations this “punitive enforcement” was not necessary: “The idea that education is the answer – does anyone genuinely feel that they don’t know they shouldn’t drop litter? ”

He added that the enforcement route was what the committee had wanted and it was aimed at “people that will not comply and will not comply with social norms.”

No figures were forthcoming but the committee was told there was an “income” to be paid to the council by District Enforcement and this was to fund a wider scheme to tackle larger fly-tipping issues.

Complaints were made, said committee chairman Cllr Rob Summons, that enforcement officers had targets to meet and had to issue a certain number of tickets a day.

Mr Dunne said there was no target given to officers – nor incentives – but the company was paid on the number of tickets issued rather than an hourly rate.

He denied accusations that tactics that could cause distress were used.

The focus on cigarette butts – with 942 fines issued – was linked to research on the damage they cause and the significant amount of litter they create.

The meeting heard that across the UK 90 per cent of fixed penalty notices were for dropped butts.

Cllr Mark Carter said a constituent had said she had been followed into Wetherspoons and asked to come out to receive a ticket, an experience she said was “unsettling.”

He was told officers could ask politely for people to come outside and were not followed but proactive officers would often be travelling in the same direction. He added that he would investigate the specific incident.

Where people go to register their annoyance at receiving a ticket needs to be made clear, Cllr Brian Hall said. He argued that reference to the council should be removed from tickets and the vans used.

Mr Brown reminded him that the scheme is being run on behalf of the council and it was important that was known by the public.

Business change manager Sarah Oliver said if she, or her colleagues, were available they would speak to people at County Hall.

Cllr Tony Wilcox said the “majority” of people don’t drop litter and most people are in favour of the scheme.

“We’ve tried the education thing over the years, we’ve been banging on about this for years and years. We havn’t heard today of someone being wrongly issued a ticket, if they hadn’t dropped anything they wouldn’t get a ticket,” he added.

Piloting the use of patrols in the evening, highlighted by Cllr Tom Tudor, will be carried out after he raised the amount of littering and dog fouling concerns after dark.

A focus on parks and green spaces will also put a focus on irresponsible dog owners.

A further update is due in April and members of the public were urged to go directly to their county councillors with an issues with the scheme.