BRAZEN smokers were fined £80 for dropping cigarette ends on the ground while near a large sign that read 'Bin your litter or face a fine'.
Three people were fined just last week in Abingdon by environment crime officers from Vale of White Horse District Council.
The council workers, who were wearing hi-vis jackets, were out on patrol and standing by a sign which said 'Bin your litter or face a fine' when they spotted the offenders chucking their cigarette ends on the pavement.
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Earlier this year the Vale officers put together a Top Ten list of excuses given to them from people caught in the act.
These ranged from 'I could not see a bin' to 'I keep the road sweepers in a job'.
Full list of unacceptable excuses:
1. I didn’t think a cigarette butt was litter
2. It was already littered so won't matter if I add some more
3. I didn't know it was against the law
4. I didn't know you could be fined for dropping litter
5. I'd have to walk all the way over to the bin
6. I keep the road sweepers in a job
7. You go and stop others first, then I will stop
8. It's bio-degradable
9. I couldn’t see a bin
10. There are no signs about not littering*
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