Local authorities across Cambridgeshire have generated nearly £100,000 in revenue from littering fines since the start of 2023, according to new data obtained through Freedom of Information requests. A total of 889 fixed penalty notices have been issued across the county in an effort to combat environmental blight.
Cambridge City Council stands out as the primary enforcer, responsible for the vast majority of these penalties. The council has issued 776 of the 889 fines, accumulating approximately £83,460 in revenue, which represents 86% of the county's total. This strong enforcement contrasts with other councils in the region; for example, Peterborough City Council issued 45 fines over the same period, while South Cambridgeshire, East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Fenland councils issued 33, 22, seven, and six fines respectively.
Despite Cambridge City Council's leading role in issuing fines, the trend shows a notable decline in the number of penalties issued year-on-year. In 2023, 374 fines were handed out, falling to 271 in 2024, 82 in 2025, and 49 so far this year. This suggests a shift or potential success in deterrence, though the reasons for the decline are not explicitly stated.
Beyond fixed penalty notices, 35 individuals across Cambridgeshire have faced prosecution for littering offences since 2023. Cambridge accounts for 19 of these prosecutions. Interestingly, Peterborough City Council has seen a rise in prosecutions, increasing from one in 2024 to seven in 2025, with four additional prosecutions already brought this year. Harry Machin, founder of the Peterborough Litter Wombles group, commended the action being taken, suggesting other councils could benefit from learning from Cambridge's approach.
The financial breakdown of the revenue generated by each council highlights the disparity in enforcement. Following Cambridge City Council's £83,460, South Cambridgeshire District Council collected £6,720, East Cambridgeshire District Council £3,601, Peterborough City Council £1,200, Fenland District Council £1,000, and Huntingdonshire District Council £900. These figures underscore the varied approaches and resource allocations among local authorities in tackling litter.