Prague clamps down on littering

The city of Prague is set to join a number of Czech municipalities clamping down on littering and other soiling of city streets. On Thursday legislators at City Hall passed a decree allowing police to fine anyone caught throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the street 1,000 crowns. A refusal to pay, leading to administrative proceedings, could see the fine raised to 30,000 (the equivalent of around 1,800 US dollars). The law applies not only to the throwing away of wrappers but also of food scraps. Similarly, anyone failing to pick up after their dog or caught spitting or urinating in public could also be fined. Some have expressed scepticism the legislation will be effective but towns already with experience with such bans have attested to positive results. The changes are to take effect in Prague on July 1.