Nelson man’s £400 fine for throwing cigarette end

Fayyaz Mohammed (48), of Crawford Street, failed to attend Reedley Magistrates’ Court.

But the case was proved in his absence and the court imposed a fine of £200 plus £220 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

On November 25th a Pendle Council waste management officer witnessed Mohammed throw his cigarette end from the window of his car, a taxi he was driving for Matrix Taxis in Nelson.

Mohammed’s details were obtained by checking his vehicle details with the DVLA.

He was later issued with a fixed penalty notice – carrying a fine of £75 – for dropping cigarette litter.

But he did not pay this and, as a result, ended up being taken to court.

Coun. John David, Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “Cigarette ends are classed as litter and should always be disposed of properly – in the bin!

“Just like with other forms of litter, it is an offence to throw them on the ground, and is particularly uncivilised to just hurl them from a car window.

“This prosecution should serve as a warning to anyone that they can face a hefty fine, all for failing to do the decent thing and put their rubbish in the bin.”