Your questions answered
What types of FPN are there?
FPNs are used to address minor environmental offences such as fly-tipping, littering, or breaches of household waste duty of care.
| Offence | Legal act | Full amount of penalty | Amount if paid within 14 days | Maximum penalty on conviction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depositing litter | Section 87/88 - Environmental Protection Act 1990 | £500 | £150 | £2500 |
| Fly-tipping | Section 33 (1) (c) - Environmental Protection Act 1990 | £1000 | £500 | £unlimited/prison |
| Failure to comply with litter clearing notice | Section 92C/94A - Environmental Protection Act 1990 | £100 | £60 | £2500 |
| Failure to comply to produce waste documents | Section 34 (5) and regulations made under it / 34 (6)/34A - Environmental Protection Act 1990 | £300 | £180 | £5,000 (or, on indictment, an unlimited fine) |
| Failure to produce authority to transport waste | Section 5/5B – Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 | £300 | £180 | £5000 |
| Unauthorised distribution of free printed matter | Schedule 3A para. 1 (1) and 7 – Environmental Protection Act 1990 | £75 | £50 | £2500 |
| Household waste duty of care | Section 34(2A) - Environmental Protection Act 1990 | £600 | £300 | £unlimited/prison |
| Failure to comply with a waste receptacles notice | Section 46/47/47ZA/47ZB - Environmental Protection Act 1990 | £100 | £60 | £1000 |
| Flyposting | Section 43 Anti-social behaviour Act 2003 Section 222 (3) Town & Country Planning Act 1990, Section 132 (1) Highways Act 1980 | £80 | £50 | £2500 |
| Leaving vehicles for sale on highway | Section 3 (1)(a) & 5(1) Clean Neighbourhood & Environment Act 2005 | £100 | £60 | £2500 |
| Unauthorised abandonment of vehicle | Section 2-5 Refuse Disposal (amenity) act 1978, Section 2(1)(a) Clean Neighbourhood & Environment Act 2005 | £200 | £120 | £2500 |
| Repairing vehicles on highway | Section 4 - Clean Neighbourhood & Environment Act 2005 | £100 | £60 | £2500 |
| Failure to remove dog faeces | Section 5 - Clean Neighbourhood & Environment Act 2005 | £75 | £50 | £1000 |
| Failure to comply with Community Protection Notice | Section 43 - Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 | £100 | £75 | £2500 |
How does an FPN work?
Instead of taking someone to court, an authorised officer can issue an FPN, offering the individual the option to pay a fixed sum to settle the matter.
Will I still be in trouble after I pay the FPN?
If the penalty is paid by the deadline, the matter is closed, and no further action is taken.
What happens if I don’t pay?
If the FPN is not paid, the case may be referred to the courts for prosecution.
Can I challenge the FPN?
There isn't a formal right to appeal an FPN, but you can make representations to the issuing authority if you believe the notice was issued in error.
Does the FPN count as a criminal offence?
An FPN is not a criminal conviction and will not appear on a standard criminal record check.
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