A LLAN Ffestiniog resident has received a hefty fine after throwing litter through a car window.

A Gwynedd Council street enforcement warden on patrol observed Amy Roberts of 3, Hafan Deg, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, discarding litter from a vehicle on the main A470 road at Llan Ffestiniog.

She was given a £75 on-the-spot fixed penalty notice, which she failed to pay within the required 14-days.

A hearing at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on 6 January found Ms Roberts guilty in her absence of depositing litter. She must now pay a total of £368, including the £200 fine and £168 costs.

Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for the Environment, Cllr John Wynn Jones, said: “Roadside litter is a considerable problem and a blight on our countryside.

“Not only does it look very unsightly, it poses a danger to wildlife, it costs many thousands of pounds to clean up and subjects cleansing workers to unnecessary risks on busy roads.

“The money spent on clearing this litter could be put to better use elsewhere.

“Those who throw litter from vehicles should know better and must be aware that they are liable to be fined if caught.

“Please take your litter home, or use a bin and remember that most litter such as paper, cans and plastic bottles can all be recycled.”

Anyone in Gwynedd who receives a £75 fixed penalty for littering has 14 days to pay.

Failure to pay can result in prosecution with a fine of up to £2,500, plus a criminal record.

The public can also help by reporting those responsible environmental crime to Gwynedd Council’s Street Enforcement Team confidentially on 01766 771000, or by visiting www.gwynedd.gov.uk