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.
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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)
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Carole says
RE on the spot fines for littering, they will never find those who litter.
I live in the Plainpalais area of Geneva and I see people walk away without cleaning up after their dogs. This happens day and night but more so during the night hours when the dog owners are certain no one will see or dare say something to them.
Garbage and old furniture are thrown out late at nights because once again no one will see .
I can truthfully say, the Plainpalais area of Geneva is dirty.