Fixed penalty notices

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN)  are for offences such as littering, graffiti and dog fouling. 

They are issued as an alternative to prosecution in court and offer the offender the opportunity to discharge their liability for an offence. You will usually be taken to court if you fail to pay a FPN, a larger fine and a criminal record can both be given if you are found guilty.  

FPNs can be issued to anyone over 10 years old.   

Paying a fixed penalty does not mean you accept you are guilty of an offence. The FPN is given as an alternative to prosecution in court, however if it remains unpaid within the applicable timeframe it may be escalated to court.  

The timeframe for paying your FPN will be detailed on the notice itself. Certain FPNs can be paid at a lower rate if paid promptly. 

If you don't pay your FPN this may result in a larger fine being given by the court and a criminal record.