$200 littering fine aimed at changing behaviour, not collecting money - Tabuya

Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya says the new $200 littering fine is not about collecting money from Fijians, but about stopping people from littering and changing behaviour.The littering penalty will increase five-fold from $40 to $200 from 1st September, subject to the completion of the Gazette process.During her ministerial statement, Tabuya stressed that waste does not simply disappear, but travels into drains, rivers, beaches and the ocean, with the cost eventually being paid by ratepayers, taxpayers, the tourism industry and the environment.She says Fiji cannot continue treating littering as a small offence.INSERT: Tabuya on $200 litter fine 18th AugShe says the $200 fine is only one part of the Government's response, with enforcement being strengthened through a network of litter prevention officers.She says the Ministry will work with officers from municipal councils, the Fiji Police Force and the Land Transport Authority, who will be trained in identifying offences, gathering evidence…