Kingdom, the company appointed by Bristol City Council to fine people for littering in the city centre, has lost the contract and will be replaced by 3GS.
3GS describes itself as an ‘ethical enforcement firm’ and has been asked to work across the whole city to tackle litter, fly-tipping and dog mess.
A council spokesperson said: “The service will continue to be delivered at no cost to the council. The cost of delivering the service will be met through the payment of the Fixed Penalty Notices. Any surplus the contract generates will continue to be reinvested by the council to tackle environmental issues.”
The council said there would be no ‘inducement or reward’ for 3GS’s enforcement officers to fine people in order to reach targets or get bonuses.
The firm’s managing director, Martin Jerrold, said : “3GS provides proportionate, high quality enforcement services to help local authorities maintain cleaner and greener neighbourhoods. 3GS will be deploying 10 experienced and professional Enforcement Officers throughout the city and outer city regions for a two year contract to issue Fixed Penalty Notices and deliver a range of educational initiatives to make the community aware of the consequences of littering and dog fouling and contribute to creating a greener environment for the area.”
However, there have been complaints of heavy-handedness by 3GS in other areas including Brighton and Hove, Merthyr Tydfil and Manchester.
More information about 3GS can be found on their website at https://www.3gs.co.uk/