A man who refused to pay a £50 fine for throwing a cigarette from his car window has now got to cough up more than £600.
Gregory Mitchell, of Strangers Way, Luton, was convicted of littering on High Street North, Dunstable, at Luton Magistrates Court on Monday, after refusing to pay the fine.
The prosecution was brought by Central Beds Council, and Mr Mitchell was slapped with a £200 fine and court costs of £424.
Councillor Brian Spurr, responsible for sustainable communities at the council, said: “Some people may think that this fine is out of proportion with the crime. But the fact is that we offered Mr Mitchell the chance to pay a fine of £50 for his littering offence and he refused to pay. After many reminders and opportunities to pay, we took action.
“Keep Britain Tidy reported in 2011 that it costs £885m a year to clear up litter on the UK’s streets, with smoking-related litter the worst offender. We don’t want our area covered in rubbish and we’re prepared to take action to stop it. Some residents have also been in touch to say that they wished we could take firmer action against it.”