The number of litterbugs and fly-tippers slapped with fines in Bromley has been revealed.

Following on from questions asked at a recent Bromley Council meeting, it has been revealed that 180 fines for littering have been given to offenders since 2017.

Litterbugs are handed £80 fixed penalty notices for their crimes, with a maximum penalty of £2,500 if convicted further.

On top of littering, fly-tipping has led to an extra 22 fines and nine prosecutions.

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish, from one black bag to a lorry load scattered over a road.

Councillor Kate Lymer, executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, said: “In common with many other councils, Bromley is taking action to tackle the anti-social and criminal behaviour of the fly-tippers, reduce incidents, and where evidence exists, then we will prosecute.

“Fly-tipping is a problem, particularly at this time of year but the number of incidents has actually declined slightly across the borough in the past year and we will keep focussing our attention on this important matter. ”

The number of fly-tipping incidents has dropped to 3,096 between May 2017 and April from 3,221 for the same period in the previous year.

Last year fly-tipping cost the taxpayer £58m in clean-up costs, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – the fourth year in a row the taxpayer has footed an increasing bill.

Cllr Lymer said: “We’re working closely with the police, London Fire Brigade and other agencies to target this problem too and we’ve had some success, with this work continuing.

“Of course we clear fly-tipping that we’re aware of that, that is reported to us and we thank residents for their help in reporting incidents they come across.”

Cllr Lymer warned residents to check waste was not being disposed of by rogue traders, and to report instances as evidence could lead to a reward of up to £500.