On the spot fines for littering. Coming soon to a commune near you.

Tribune de Genève.

“If you’re caught with your fingers in the jam, you’ll get a smack on the hand”¹ said Marc-Olivier Buffat of the Liberal Radical Party (PLR). The new law will allow commune staff in the Canton of Vaud to issue on the spot fines of up to CHF 200. The proposal lodged in 2008, was accepted by the Vaud state council by a large majority on Tuesday. The main motivations behind this new law are combating fly tipping, littering and the number of unpaid fines.

Communes will be free to choose how they use this new law. Its use will not be restricted to fly tipping and littering offenses. It could for example, be used on those who break port rules. Commune employees will be able to issue fines in the same manner as police officers upon being sworn in. They are not however allowed to use physical force, demand an individual’s identity or act outside of their defined role.

A second state council vote is required to create the new law. A favourable vote is expected next week.

¹ Si on vous attrape les doigts dans le pot de confiture, c’est pan sur la main.

Full article on Tribune de Genève (in French)

For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook