What is a fixed penalty notice?

Fixed Penalty Notices are issued by Authorised Officers of the Council, Dorset Police, the Environment Agency and other authorised agency officers to anyone who the officer has reason to believe has committed particular offences. The fixed penalty enables that person to discharge any liability for the offence, by payment of a fixed financial penalty. The Council is then able to retain the receipts from some of these fixed penalties.
On payment of the fixed penalty notice, we cannot prosecute you for the offence however if payment is not received, then the Council can prosecute.
 

Why a fixed penalty notice is issued

If a fixed penalty notice has been issued it is because you have been identified as being responsible for one of the offences for which a fixed penalty notice can be issued. These can include dog fouling, littering, flyposting and graffiti.

When to pay

You must pay the appropriate fine within 30 days of receiving the fixed penalty notice. If you pay within 15 days the fee can be reduced.
However if you do not pay within the set time the Council will start court proceedings which could result in a fine up to the maximum amounts. For example, if you allow your dog to foul and do not pick up after it, you may be liable to a fine of £1000.

Contesting the notice

If you do not accept that you have committed the offence described on the notice, you should write to Enforcement Services at Bournemouth Borough Council, Parkway House, 28 Avenue Road Bournemouth BH2 5SL, setting out your reasons before the end of 15 days beginning from the date of the notice.  Please ensure you include your fixed penalty notice reference number.
The case will be investigated and if the Council does not accept your reasons, you will have a further opportunity to pay the fixed penalty. Prosecution proceedings may follow to allow the court to decide whether an offence was committed.

Reporting an offence

Should you witness an offence for which a fixed penalty notice may be issued, and you are prepared to make a formal witness statement, the Council may be able to take action against the offender.
To report an offence telephone 451199 or email the Council.