In a significant move to preserve the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the city, Brighton Hove Council has ramped up its efforts to combat graffiti tagging across its streets and public spaces. The council’s recent initiatives showcase a commitment to maintaining a well-kept urban environment, with a focus on both prevention and remediation.
One of the major steps taken includes the increase of fines for graffiti tagging, which have been raised from £150 to a substantial £500. This hike in penalties is aimed at deterring potential offenders while generating funds to reinvest in further enforcement actions.
In terms of enforcement, there has been a notable rise in the identification of offenders. Over the past six months, the council has issued 15 Fixed Penalty Notices for graffiti tagging, a significant increase from just 5 in the same period last year. This uptick in enforcement is a clear signal of the council’s commitment to addressing this issue head-on.
In an innovative approach to remediation, the most frequent offenders have been assigned the task of cleaning up their tags. This includes painting over graffiti, with a recent example being the cleaning of The Level, a popular public area. The council provided a before-and-after picture demonstrating the effectiveness of this cleanup effort by an offender.
Additionally, Brighton Hove Council has also amplified its crackdown on fly-tipping, another pressing environmental concern. In just two months, September and October of this year, the council issued 185 fines for fly-tipping. This number more than doubles the 91 fines issued during the same period in the previous year, reflecting a robust approach to preserving the city’s environment.
