Consultation over plans for fines to tackle spitting in public

Fines could be brought in to tackle spitting in public. Leicester City Council has launched a public consultation to find out what people think about spitting, and if they think people should be fined for doing so.

The council is considering using powers from the Environmental Protection Act to fine anyone seen spitting in public. The charge would be an £80 fixed penalty notice, given as if the person was caught littering.

Two recent cases prosecuted by Waltham Forest Council have shown the approach can be upheld by the law.

People are being encouraged to take part in the consultation via an online survey. The consultation period ends on December 6.

Councillor Sarah Russell said: