Pigeon feeders facing £100 fine in Hertfordshire towns
A consultation will be held on plans to introduce fines for feeding pigeons in three town centres
Broxbourne Borough Council has agreed to consult on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that would make it an offence to feed pigeons in Cheshunt, Waltham Cross and Hoddesdon town centres. If implemented, anyone caught feeding pigeons could face a fine of £100.
A four-week consultation will take place, and if approved, the order is expected to come into force on 1 April.
Councillor Paul Seeby, cabinet member for the environment, said: "We started the year by saying we’d work for a cleaner borough. This is a mechanism that will help us achieve that objective.
"Pigeon feeding doesn’t only leave unpleasant litter. There are a range of health issues with pigeons."
He also highlighted the role of the council’s mobile locality officers, who will enforce the ban alongside environmental enforcement officers. "They are out and about, they do a range of good work, and all those bits and pieces do make life a lot better for local residents."
Council leader Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop described the plan as a "good initiative" that would "make the borough even more beautiful."
Officers said enforcement staff would not issue fines immediately but hoped the possibility of penalties would act as a deterrent.
"It’s hoped that the threat, or the possibility of a fine, will deter people from doing it," an officer said. "Yes, a £100 fine may be pursued, but we’re not expecting it, and we’re not hoping this will achieve a great level of income."
The council has been using a hawk in Waltham Cross town centre to reduce pigeon nesting, but officers said its impact has been limited due to continued feeding.
A report prepared for councillors stated: "Pigeons are known to carry numerous diseases, including Salmonella and E.coli, and their droppings are considered to be a risk to human health.
"The droppings cause damage to buildings and street furniture and generally make a place look tired and worn.
"There is a large population of pigeons within Waltham Cross and Hoddesdon town centres, with people actively feeding them. This encourages the birds to stay within the town centres and has the side-effect of providing a food source for other vermin, such as rats."