Smokers and vapers warned about huge fines on beaches this summer
BRITS flocked to the beach last week after temperatures in the UK hit highs of 30C.
But experts have warned how a trip to the seaside could see those who smoke and vape fined as much as £2,500 for breaking some little-known laws.
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Harry Dennis, the founder and boss of social enterprise Waterhaul, has been encouraging Brits to be the “change they want to see” on holiday this summer.
The guidance comes after beaches and other coastal gems continue to be impacted by litter and waste, including vapes and cigarette butts.
Dropping litter in public places in the UK is a criminal offence and also applies to beaches as well.
People who drop litter can face prosecution in court and can be fined up to £2,500, if convicted.
Those who are authorised to do so can charge a person with a fixed penalty notice of up to £150 – so make sure to take it all home with you this weekend.
According to Waterhaul, cigarette butts and disposable vapes are among the worst offenders for litter at UK beaches.
Harry Dennis said: “Smoking-related waste is becoming a significant issue on beaches, with a recent survey suggesting cigarette butts are the most numerous plastic waste found on UK waterways.
“The rise of vaping is also presenting a new challenge for environmentalists to tackle — 42% of inland litter reported by the Marine Conservation Society!”
In a bid to avoid fines and help keep UK beaches litter-free, Waterhaul is encouraging beach-goers to act responsibly when on holiday this summer.
The Waterhaul founder added: “We’re encouraging people to think responsibly to look after the places we visit and respect the local environment which is precious to its local community and wildlife.
“We often see environmental challenges as insurmountable obstacles, but it’s essential to acknowledge these issues and take ownership of your personal impact. Being the change you want to see can make a big difference.”
There are plenty of other little-known beach rules that could land Brits in hot water this summer.
OTHER BEACH RULES
Beach visitors considering taking a few pebbles to remember their trip to the seaside might want to think again.
Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is actually illegal to take any kind of natural materials from public beaches, and could land you with a fine of up to £1,000 if you are caught.
Over the summer months, councils across the UK impose restrictions on dogs on their beaches, under the Public Spaces Protection Order.
Any owners who are caught breaking rules imposed by their local authorities could risk being fined £100, so it’s always best to check before heading to the seaside with your four-legged friend.
Smoking-related waste is becoming a significant issue on beaches
A lot of local councils are now implementing their own rules that mean you cannot use disposable BBQs on their beaches.
This is in a bid to protect wildlife and reduce littering, which means having a single-use disposable BBQ on some beaches, where they are not allowed, could see you being given a £100 fine and it being confiscated.
Camping on beaches is illegal in most areas of the UK, in order to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Beaches will often be patrolled hourly and campers who refuse to move could be given fines of up to £1000, or even face prosecution in court.
Other strict beach laws around the world
Spain
- Leaving the beach without covering up swimwear – fines up to £500
- Smoking on the beach – fines up to £1,700
- Swimming in the sea after midnight- fines up to £1,020
- Being naked on non-nudist beaches – fines up to £560
France
- Smoking on beaches
Italy
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £2,500
UK
- Walking dogs on certain beaches between May 1 and September 30 – fines of £1,000
- Dropping rubbish – fines up to £2,500
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £1,000
- Camping on beaches – fines up to £1,000
The UK is not the only place where you can get in trouble for some of the things on the list, with some lesser-known laws in Spain also leading to fines.
Holidaymakers have also been warned to be alert in Italy, where big fines have been handed out in recent years, for relatively small crimes.
