Brent Council says spitting of paan/gutka has stained pavements and buildings, prompting “zero‑tolerance” enforcement and fines to curb the practice.
Widespread Staining in London
- Parts of North London, especially Wembley, have pavements, shop fronts, telephone boxes, and public areas stained by red paan and gutka residue.
- The council spends more than £30,000 annually (around ₹35 lakh) to clean these stains from streets and public property.
- Stains are difficult to remove, unhygienic, and affect the city’s appearance.
Council Steps to Control the Issue
- Brent Council has introduced a zero-tolerance policy for spitting paan and gutka in public.
- Enforcement officers patrol streets, warn people, and issue fines up to £100.
- Warning banners have been put up in affected areas to encourage responsible behavior.
- Cleaning operations now include high-pressure washing and regular monitoring of hotspots.
Public Reaction
- Residents and shopkeepers have welcomed the measures, saying stains are unsightly and unhygienic.
- Some warn that awareness campaigns are essential alongside fines for lasting results.
- Businesses note that repeated cleaning is a burden on the local council and taxpayers.
Impact and Future Measures
- The annual cost of cleaning these stains is significant.
- Council officials are urging the community to avoid public spitting and follow civic rules.
- Continued patrols, fines, and public education are expected to reduce staining and maintain cleaner public spaces.
