VALENCIA has launched a fresh crackdown on litterbugs who leave filth on the city’s streets with the rollout of tough new laws and hefty fines.
The new enforcement phase began on Tuesday after a two-week public awareness campaign, with the Policia Local now issuing fines for breaches of the municipal cleaning ordinance.
The rules were officially introduced in June – but authorities had initially focused on informing residents about the change in law before moving to punish offenders.
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Anyone caught dropping cigarette butts, chewing gum, paper or other rubbish on the ground faces a fine of up to €1,500, as well as pet owners who fail to clean up their animal’s excrement.
The same penalty applies to fly-tippers who dump furniture and other bulky items in the streets or outside rubbish bins.
More serious offences, including urinating or spitting in public, will be met with fines of up to €3,000.
Those caught daubing graffiti on protected buildings or listed structures will also face the full force of the law, with penalties of between €1,500 and €3,000.
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Leaving construction rubble on public roads is another misdemeanour under the spotlight, with fines of up to €1,500.
The council, led by Partido Popular (PP) mayor Maria Jose Catala, said the measures aim to improve cleanliness and encourage residents to take greater responsibility for public spaces.
The crackdown is the latest in a series of measures targeting anti-social behaviour in Valencia, following new rules proposed earlier this year to clamp down on boisterous stag and hen parties.
Gatherings for private celebrations – including birthdays, hen and stag dos – would be classed as a serious offence if they take place on public streets between 10pm and 8am from Sunday to Friday, with the cut-off extended on Saturdays to 9.30am.
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Anyone caught breaking the rules could be fined between €750 and €1,500 – unless the event has been officially authorised by the council.
The law would also target some of the more suggestive traditions associated with stag and hen parties.
Wearing clothing or accessories representing human genitalia, or carrying inflatable dolls and other sexual props through public spaces, would be classed as a minor offence carrying a fine of up to €750.
The proposal would make Valencia the first Spanish municipality to explicitly target hen and stag parties with a specific regulation.
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