A driver has been ordered to pay almost £650 for throwing a cigarette out of her car window.

Faye Jeakins was spotted flicking the cigarette butt out from her grey Ford Kuga by an enforcement officer from Barking and Dagenham Council while driving along Rainham Road South in Dagenham.

Dropping or throwing litter in a public place is a criminal offence under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and carries a maximum fine of £2,500.

When the 37-year-old of Norton Road, Dagenham, failed to pay the £150 penalty notice issued by the council, the case was referred to court.

Jeakins did not attend the hearing at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Tuesday 11 July 2023, and in her absence was ordered to pay the original fine of £150 plus £428.65 in costs to Barking and Dagenham Council and a £68 victim surcharge.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “It really is unbelievable that in 2023 people still continue to think it’s acceptable to litter. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cigarette butt or a bin bag, it’s a criminal offence and it means someone else is left to tidy up after you.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who thinks they can use Barking and Dagenham as a dumping ground, and we will continue to take action against anyone caught committing grime crime in our borough.”