FINES for littering across most of Dorset are set to be increased following the introduction of new national legislation in April.

If approved, littering charges handed out across the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) would rise from £75 to £100 while charges for people without a valid waste carrier licence will also be increased.

Over the last 12 months, the partnership’s four enforcement officers handed out 14 fixed penalty notices, prosecuted three people and issued more than 150 written warnings for waste issues.

In April, the Government increased the maximum fines councils could issue for littering in a bid to crackdown on the problem.

Members of the DWP joint committee are being recommended to approve the introduction of the new charges at its meeting on Monday (June 11).