Two Litterers Fined Over £1,000 Each by Barkingside Court Dagenham 2026

Key Points

• Barking and Dagenham Council secured over £2,300 in fines from two separate roadside enforcement cases heard at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court.
• Council officers witnessed drivers discarding cigarette butts from vehicles during routine patrols in March and April 2025 in Dagenham.
• In the first case, on 19 March 2025, the driver of a black Lexus threw a cigarette butt from his vehicle along Rainham Road South; a DVLA check identified the registered keeper as Mr Alomgir Hussain Quayeem of St Giles Avenue, Dagenham.
• Mr Quayeem confirmed he had been the driver and received a fixed penalty notice, which he failed to pay.
• Mr Quayeem pleaded not guilty at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 3 February 2026 but was found guilty.
• A second case involved a similar incident in April 2025, where another driver discarded a cigarette butt; the registered keeper was ordered to pay over £1,000.
• Both individuals were ordered to pay fines exceeding £1,000 each, contributing to the total of over £2,300 recovered by the council.
• Notices were issued in each case requiring registered keepers to confirm the driver at the time of the offence.
• These enforcement actions highlight the council’s commitment to tackling roadside littering through patrols and court proceedings.

Dagenham (East London Times) February 26, 2026 – Barking and Dagenham Council has successfully secured over £2,300 in fines from two individuals caught discarding cigarette butts from their vehicles during routine patrols, with cases culminating in convictions at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court. The enforcement actions, stemming from incidents in March and April 2025, underscore the council’s zero-tolerance approach to roadside littering. Each offender was ordered to pay more than £1,000, sending a clear message to those who flout littering laws.

What Happened in the First Case?

Council officers on routine patrol on 19 March 2025 observed the driver of a black Lexus throwing a cigarette butt from his vehicle along Rainham Road South in Dagenham.

A subsequent DVLA check identified the registered keeper as Mr Alomgir Hussain Quayeem, residing at St Giles Avenue, Dagenham. As reported in the council’s official statement, Mr Quayeem later confirmed he had been the driver at the time of the offence and was duly issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Mr Quayeem failed to pay the fixed penalty notice, leading to court proceedings. He pleaded not guilty when the case was heard at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 3 February 2026. However, the court found him guilty, ordering him to pay a substantial fine exceeding £1,000, which forms part of the total £2,300 recovered by the council.

What Was the Second Case About?

In a parallel incident during April 2025, council officers again witnessed a driver discarding a cigarette butt from their vehicle while on patrol in Dagenham.

A notice was issued to the registered keeper, requiring them to confirm who was driving at the time of the offence, in line with standard procedure outlined by the council. The registered keeper, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed in the available reports, similarly failed to pay the fixed penalty notice issued following their confirmation or identification.

This second case was also heard at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, resulting in a conviction and a fine of over £1,000 imposed on the individual. According to the council’s enforcement summary, these roadside observations and subsequent legal actions demonstrate a consistent pattern of addressing littering offences through direct intervention and prosecution.

Why Were Fixed Penalty Notices Issued?

Fixed penalty notices serve as an initial enforcement tool for minor littering offences, allowing offenders an opportunity to settle the matter without court involvement. In both cases, notices were promptly issued after the incidents were witnessed by council officers.

The council’s protocol, as detailed in their public announcements, requires registered keepers to identify the driver, ensuring accountability for vehicle-related littering.

Failure to pay these notices escalates the matter to magistrates’ court, where fines can be significantly higher. Barking and Dagenham Council emphasised that such measures are essential to deter repeat offenders and maintain clean public spaces. The total fines of over £2,300 reflect not only the penalties but also associated court costs and surcharges.

How Did the Court Proceedings Unfold?

The cases were heard separately at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, with the first on 3 February 2026 involving Mr Alomgir Hussain Quayeem. Despite his not guilty plea, the bench found sufficient evidence from the officers’ testimony, DVLA records, and Mr Quayeem’s own confirmation of driving.

The second case followed a similar trajectory, though specific hearing dates for it have not been separately detailed beyond the collective reporting.

Magistrates imposed fines exceeding £1,000 per individual, inclusive of victim surcharges and prosecution costs, as standard in environmental offence convictions. This outcome aligns with broader judicial trends in handling public order offences, where courts prioritise deterrence.

Who Is Involved in These Enforcement Actions?

Barking and Dagenham Council leads the enforcement, deploying officers for routine patrols targeting roadside littering hotspots like Rainham Road South.

Mr Alomgir Hussain Quayeem, of St Giles Avenue, Dagenham, is named in the first case as both registered keeper and confirmed driver. The second offender remains unnamed in public records, referred to only as the registered keeper.

DVLA checks play a crucial role, linking vehicles to keepers swiftly. Barkingside Magistrates’ Court magistrates presided over the hearings, delivering guilty verdicts based on presented evidence.

When and Where Did the Incidents Occur?

The first incident took place on 19 March 2025 along Rainham Road South, Dagenham, involving a black Lexus. The second occurred in April 2025 in Dagenham, with exact date and location specifics aligned to patrol observations. Both fell under Barking and Dagenham Council’s jurisdiction, a London borough known for its urban roads prone to such littering.

Court hearings concluded recently, with Mr Quayeem’s on 3 February 2026, marking swift progression from offence to resolution.

Why Is Roadside Littering a Priority for the Council?

Barking and Dagenham Council views cigarette butts as a pervasive form of litter, contributing to environmental pollution and fire risks. Routine patrols in March and April 2025 were part of ongoing efforts to combat this issue proactively.

The council’s success in securing over £2,300 demonstrates the effectiveness of combining on-the-spot witnessing with legal follow-through.

Such actions protect public health, reduce cleanup costs, and promote civic responsibility. Officials note that littered butts take years to decompose, leaching toxins into waterways.

What Are the Consequences of Not Paying Fixed Penalty Notices?

Failure to pay, as seen with both offenders, leads to court summons. Fixed penalties typically offer a lower fine, but escalation results in higher penalties plus costs. Mr Quayeem’s case exemplifies this: his non-payment after confirmation of driving triggered prosecution.

The court’s guilty findings affirm the robustness of evidence from patrols and DVLA data. Fines over £1,000 each serve as a financial deterrent, far exceeding initial penalties.

How Does This Fit into Broader Anti-Littering Efforts?

These convictions bolster Barking and Dagenham Council’s wider campaign against littering, including education, signage, and bins. By publicising the cases, the council aims to warn drivers against discarding waste from vehicles. Similar enforcement occurs borough-wide, targeting fly-tipping and pedestrian littering.

The £2,300 recovered funds further initiatives, creating a self-sustaining enforcement model. Local residents benefit from cleaner streets, aligning with national clean-up drives.

What Can Drivers Do to Avoid Such Fines?

Drivers should use ashtrays or extinguish butts properly before disposing. Councils advise confirming details promptly if notices arrive. Pleading not guilty, as Mr Quayeem did, risks higher penalties upon conviction.

Public awareness campaigns stress that littering from vehicles carries fixed penalties starting at £150, escalating in court. Compliance avoids legal hassle and supports community standards.

What’s Next for Enforcement in Barking and Dagenham?

Council officers plan continued patrols, leveraging these successes to intensify efforts. Future cases may involve dashcam evidence or public tips. Magistrates’ consistent rulings reinforce policy.

Residents are encouraged to report sightings, enhancing proactive measures. This incident signals no leniency for litterers, prioritising a litter-free borough.