Local Environmental Quality: litter
Beach litter
Litter in water and coastal areas can be extremely damaging to wildlife as well as being unsightly.
In June 2005 the offence of dropping and leaving litter under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990) was extended to cover all types of land, including land covered by water. Therefore, fixed penalty notices may be issued to someone caught dropping litter into lakes, ponds, streams, on beaches and into water down to the low-water mark at the coast. Alternatively, the person may be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500.
Cleansing
Local authorities and Crown authorities are responsible for keeping amenity beaches generally clear of litter and refuse between 1 May and 30 September each year. This is set out in the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse.
The duty under section 89 of the EPA 1990 does not extend below the place to which the tide flows at mean high water springs. However, in all other beach areas, the Code recommends those responsible for beaches regularly monitor them and develop an appropriate cleansing regime.
Awards
The International Blue Flag scheme is currently operated in England and Northern Ireland by ENCAMS, along with the Seaside Award for beaches with minimum water quality (mandatory) and good management criteria.
These schemes set environmental standards for beaches, including the provision of litter bins and beach cleansing, encouraging local authorities to improve the quality of coastal areas.
Since the Blue Flag award scheme started in 1987, the number of flags awarded in the UK has increased from 12 in 1987 to 136 in 2006.
| Beach Award Numbers 2000-2006 |
|
|||
| Year | Seaside Awards UK | Seaside Awards England | Blue Flag Awards UK | Blue Flag Awards England |
| (not IoM or CI) | (not IoM or CI) | |||
2000 |
272 | 143 | 57 | 24 |
2001 |
308 | 172 | 55 | 25 |
2002 |
317 | 181 | 83 | 45 |
2003 |
332 | 181 | 105 | 63 |
2004 |
375 | 205 | 122 | 72 |
2005 |
338 | 211 | 118 | 65 |
2006 |
389 | 229 | 136 | 77 |
For more information, please visit:
- Blue flag seaside awards website
Quality Coast Award (QCA)
To complement the Blue Flag Scheme, ENCAMS have developed the Quality Coast Awards, The awards recognise beaches with a high amenity value that fulfil the expectations of different beach users. The scheme aims to reflect the hugely diverse nature of our coastline, the qualities of our beaches, and is open to all beaches in England.
By adopting this broader approach to coastal management, it is possible to encourage people to migrate towards beaches that cater for their particular tastes, reducing the burden of conflicting demands that can often occur at beaches.
For more information about the awards or the application process please contact ENCAMS on 01942 612621.
Page last modified: 29 November 2006
Page published: 9 July 2004