Parking ticket cost Shropshire man a whopping £635 for littering after he dropped it on the floor

Peter Timmis, of Hinstock, must pay £635 after being convicted in his absence at Telford Magistrates Court.

The 59-year-old was spotted dropping the notice by a police community support officer in New Street, Newport, on December 2 last year.

He was issued a fixed penalty notice that was not paid within the required time and was prosecuted for littering.

The court fined Timmis £220, ordered payment of a victim surcharge of £22 and council costs of £393.75.

Council chiefs said the case, which was heard on Wednesday, showed that the authority was not afraid to prosecute for littering offences.

Russell Griffin, spokesman for the council, said: "He had a chance to pay the parking notice and we only pursued the prosecution when that payment wasn't made. It's about respect for environment – and no matter what is printed on the piece of paper, a piece of paper has been thrown on the ground and that's against the law."

Councillor Eric Carter, who represents Newport East on Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "If people know the rules and are aware that there are fines for littering and that it is an offence and then drop litter, then they can't complain too much. Littering is something I abhor. It is a nuisance and people should take responsibility.

"It's a question of parents teaching children. People should have pride in their community."

Fixed penalty notices must be paid within 28 days. In the case of littering there is a discount to £50 for anyone who pays within 10 days.

Last year the council was called to clean up 3,484 incidents of rubbish being dumped.

Reporting a litter offender can be done at telford.gov.uk

For more information call (01952) 384384.