Litter penalties need enforcement

Once again we see laws being enacted with penalties spelt out, but I wish to remind our legislators that these of themselves will change nothing.

A law without policing is in effect, no law at all.

Without correct policing, those who litter will continue to do so, with no regard for the environment or the law.

What we need now are dedicated patrol officers with authority to demand verification of identity, and to write on the spot fines, which are enforceable.

These officers should also be able to enforce other laws, like the requirement for cyclists to wear safety helmets, and to ride on the roadway in accordance with the road rules, and that cyclists over 12 years of age do not ride on the footpath, and that cycles be not ridden on the footpaths of shopping centres.

If the laws on littering are treated the way the laws on cycling are treated, with disdain, then we will soon be up to our armpits in rubbish, while we are being harassed by suicidal cyclists.

R Lambert

Umina