The basic principle of law in the country is that you are innocent until proven guilty.  Further you have the option to appeal actions taken against you where you feel mistreated or caught unaware in an unconscious action.

This is not the case with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

This legislation was introduced to prevent littering and fly tipping, it was to provide better and cleaner streets and support public health and safety.

It has become instead a baseball bat for uniformed enforcers to gather cash from the individual.

This petition seeks to redress the balance in that law.

Very simply by signing this you are asking for 3 changes:

1. Local Authorities should no longer contract environmental protection officers to a private company.  The Authority should hire their own staff for this role who are then accountable for their actions and decisions to that Authority and the people who live in it.
2. A local Authority cannot issue a blanket decision on fine structure.  A balance must be sought again between those who fly tip a 3 tonne truck of waste and the dropping of a single cigarette butt.  The Authority must take a reasoned and balanced approach to this with regard to the level of impact the offence generates.  The use of the maximum £150 fine should not be applied to every offence.
3. There is a right of appeal in this process.  Presently the arrangements include no right to appeal in this process.  You pay the fine or you go to court.  This is against the basic principle of innocent until proven guilty.  Authorities must provide a route of appeal for everyone charged with this offence. affording them the opportunity to appeal the issue of a fixed penalty notice.

These are not unreasonable requests and I urge you to sign this petition to force a humanitarian approach and afford a right of appeal to everyone.