‘Busybody’ fines up 42% in 2023 in England and Wales, report shows

Majority of 19,162 penalties issued by private enforcement companies contracted by councils

On-the-spot penalties issued for offences including swearing, shouting, idling, loitering and begging, known as busybody" fines, jumped 42% in 2023, according to a new report.

The majority of the 19,162 penalties in England and Wales - up from the previous record high of 13,433 in 2022 - were issued by private enforcement companies contracted by councils, the research found.

Harrow issued 3,919 penalties, with fines for amplification, feeding the birds, failing to produce a dog fouling bag, drinking and handing out leaflets.

Redbridge issued 3,550 penalties, including 3,016 penalties for spitting, 142 for drinking alcohol in public, eight for leaflet distribution and three for gambling.

Hillingdon issued 3,060 penalties, including 2,335 penalties for idling" (leaving the engine running for more than two minutes), 342 for spitting and 115 for motorised electric vehicles.