Research Finds Enforcement Fines Flawed In Changing Behaviour

31 October 2011

New research carried out by Keep Britain Tidy shows that people who have received a Fixed Penalty Notice were more likely to believe that fining could change people's behaviour than those who haven't. However, research shows the behavioural change is short-lived

The findings show local authorities that are using enforcement fines as a method to keep communities free from fly-tipping, litter, graffiti and grime are on the right track in the short run, but education is also needed for long term behaviour change.

The study goes on to reveal that offenders who have altered their behaviour in the short term, conceded that it wasn't a deep rooted or lasting change.

The study's instigator, Keep Britain Tidy, said this lack of commitment to behaviour change can be channelled through more integrated campaigns that invest in education, engagement and enforcement.　

Giving an example of environment education done right, Keep Britain Tidy said York Council has a well established education and awareness programme around environmental crimes that has been commended by the local judicial system. The courts believe that residents have ample information as to how they are expected to behave and are more than happy to prosecute offenders as a result.　

Jill Partington, Spokesperson Keep Britain Tidy said: "This research aims to help local authorities choose the right mix of tactics to target enviro-crime in their areas".　　

The Effectiveness of Enforcement on Behaviour Change report will be presented at The Future of Enforcement event hosted by Keep Britain Tidy.　

For more details contact events@keepbritaintidy.org

Darrel Moore