Litterers will face three-figure fines to combat the "menace" of environmental crime, a council has agreed.

Watford Borough Council will slap litterers with a £250 fine for dropping their debris on the town's streets – more than three times the current maximum charge of £75.

Residents who use cowboy waste carriers will face £600 fixed penalty notices if their waste ends up being disposed of inappropriately – up from £300.

Fly-tipping offenders will also face £600 fixed penalty notices.

The new charges will apply from April 1, 2024.

Councillor Kennedy Rodrigues (LD, Oxhey) is Watford's waste chief.

"This decision reflects the council's commitment to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment for all residents," he told his colleagues at a Watford Borough Council cabinet meeting on Monday, March 4.

"The council is sending a clear message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated in our community.

"We are taking decisive action to rid our streets of this menace and empowering residents to engage in meaningful conversations about the detrimental effects of littering and fly-tipping.

"By raising awareness, we are reinforcing the message that environmental crime is unacceptable and urging individuals to dispose of their waste responsibly.

"There really is no excuse.

"The message is clear – make sure all litter goes in the bin.

"Residents need to make sure they only use a licensed waste contractor or visit a household recycling centre if they have additional waste."

Litterers who are caught will be handed a fixed penalty notice for a £250 charge according to the agreed plans, but paying early will set them back £75.

Residents and offenders who face a £600 fixed penalty notice charge will have the option of making an early repayment fee of £250.

Anybody who deals with household, industrial or commercial waste has a "duty of care" and must take reasonable steps to keep it safe, set out in national laws.

Cllr Rodrigues said the early repayment fees will serve as deterrents and are at levels which will minimise the risk of cases going to court.

Liberal Democrat Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said the fines would send "a very clear signal" that littering and fly-tipping "will not be tolerated".

Leader of the opposition Councillor Nigel Bell (Lab, Holywell) said: "I welcome this.

"I think many residents might say 'about time'."