Well, I had a minor victory against 'Da Man' yesterday.
Back in February, I was parked up in a lay-by in Flintshire doing some paperwork and having a fag. Absentmindedly, I dropped the end of my rolllie out the window. Now unbeknownst to me, there was an 'Environmental Protection Officer' (i.e. lumbering buffoon with a body cam and the social skills of a slug) parked up in the same lay-by. Anyway, he slithered over to me and accused me of dropping the cigarette end. I was totally caught unawares because this prick didn't even tell me who he was, he just informed me he had a body cam and was issuing a fixed penalty of ?75 for littering. I never actually admitted it but when he asked my details I gave them willingly (he managed to spell my name and address totally wrong).
Whilst writing the ticket, by way of a token apology he said "we're just trying to keep the environment tidy". I looked around at the piles of fast food cartons, drinks bottles and random shit and replied "I can see that's obviously working well, but I suppose you have to get your revenue from somewhere!"
Nonplussed, he issued the ticket and I fucked off in a strop. Later on, I did a bit of research and apparently, these cunts are supposed to give you the option of picking up your litter before issuing a fine. But they invariably don't because they expect you to be beaten into submission and pay the fine immediately like a good little boy, thus increasing the local council's coffers.
I didn't. I couldn't afford to pay the fine within the 28 day deadline. So I got another letter a month later giving me another months extension. I couldn't afford to pay that either, so I ignored it - thoroughly expecting to get a court summons and still have to pay an increased fine including court costs.
Yesterday, I received a letter saying no further action will be taken. Yay!!
So, I would recommend that anyone caught in a similar situation to stand your ground. Don't admit to anything. Pick up the alleged litter (whether asked to or not) then say "what litter?".
I reckon the majority of these cases wouldn't receive the time of day in court, they're just relying upon you to pay up as a money making exercise.
Ironically, I hate littering and wouldn't dream of throwing a paper wrapper, bottle or can at the side of the road. But a soggy dog end? Come on...