Fake fines used to fight genuine litter problem

Paris, France, has launched a major campaign against cigarette butt pollution and litter in general, according to a France24 story.

After unveiling 30,000 new litter bins equipped with cigarette extinguishers this spring and after distributing 15,000 free pocket ashtrays over the summer, city officials have tried to drive the message home in recent days by handing out fake fines to offending smokers.

Policemen have been issuing flyers to Parisians caught dropping cigarette ends in the street, warning them that, as from October1, those who create litter will be liable to fines of €68, up from €35 currently.

“Our city must become a lot tidier,” said Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo in an interview with the daily Le Parisien. “This is an issue for everyone… so there are going to be sanctions.”

It is not only smokers who are being targeted. Those who urinate in public or who allow their dogs to foul pavements will also face the prospect of being fined €68.

An estimated 350 tonnes of cigarette litter is discarded on the streets of the French capital each year, according to official figures.