‘Inflation-busting fouling fines stink’

11:55am Sunday 20th July 2008

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Dog owners who let their pooches poop on borough pavements are set to feel the weight on inflation in their purses, according to one pensioner.

An eagle-eyed resident snapped these two signs of a lamppost in Mill Road, between the Staines Road and the Crane River in Twickenham, warning dog foulers of a £5 fine and one nearby in Mereway Road threatening a £1,000 fine.

�This amount is simply gross, and who is likely to pay it?"

Paul Epps

This was branded as "inflation as seen by Richmond Council", by Paul Epps, of Twickenham, who took the pictures.

Mr Epps, 79, of Post Lane, said: "I thought it was totally over the top.

"This amount is simply gross, and who is likely to pay it?

"Either the dog owner will pay a solicitor to fight the case - at that rate it would be worth it, or they just ignore it and wait for the bailiffs that are now employed by councils to collect parking or other arbitrary fines. Couldn't a threat of £100 do?"

A Richmond Council spokesman said the £5 sign was old and claimed it had been replaced in April although Mr Epps said it was still there.

The spokesman added: "The £5 refers to an old council bylaw. The bylaw was replaced in February 2007 with the Fouling of Land by Dogs Order, which carries a maximum penalty of £1,000.

"Updated signs have been erected in key areas based on requests from the public. Priority has been given to approaches to schools and alley ways leading to parks and open spaces."

Mr Epps added: "People are being penalised for everything these days. For smoking, having dogs, driving in bus lanes.

"I can't see why the new fine has to be so high."

The spokesman said the council also had the power to issue fixed penalty notices of £80 as an alternative to prosecution and since February 2007 one notice had been issued.