[Swan]

It's harsh, but dropping dog ends has been an offence for what? 20 or more years now?

[DemolitionRed]

Originally Posted by Swan

It's harsh, but dropping dog ends has been an offence for what? 20 or more years now?

A police constable would of given her a telling off, but then PC's don't generally like to give out fines. Sadly, community policing has now been taken over by 'for profit warden companies' and there whole point is to pull in money.

[DemolitionRed]

About seven years ago I was walking through Woking with a friend, when we came across and elderly lady crying and pleading with this warden. My friend being a barrister, decided to find out why this old lady was so upset. Turns out she'd stubbed her cigarette out on the pavement and the cameras in the office opposite had captured this and sent an officer running down to give her a fine.
My friend stepped in and gave this officer a lecture and the officer left red faced.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by DemolitionRed

About seven years ago I was walking through Woking with a friend, when we came across and elderly lady crying and pleading with this warden. My friend being a barrister, decided to find out why this old lady was so upset. Turns out she'd stubbed her cigarette out on the pavement and the cameras in the office opposite had captured this and sent an officer running down to give her a fine.
My friend stepped in and gave this officer a lecture and the officer left red faced.

I think it's genuinely important for people to know that they absolutely DON'T have to give any personal details to rent-a-cops. They can call the police and try to get them to come down and you do have to give them details - but in most cases, realistically, they're not going to turn up for a LONG time... which is what makes the second part important: They can't legally detain you either. And if they try to in any way physically it can be considered assault.

Basically when they ask you for details you can just say no, or completely fabricate your details, and walk away. They can't stop you.

I'm also pretty sure the "rules" are that they're supposed to stop you and ask you to pick up the litter and dispose of it properly in the first instance, and they're only supposed to (try to) hand out fines if you refuse or if it's a known repeat offender.