Nanaimo RCMP are taking a no-butts-about-it approach to smokers who toss lit cigarettes from vehicles and the fine for smokers who get caught is $575.
Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said police are receiving numerous complaints via phone and social media, with photos, about smokers who are tossing butts from vehicles.
“It’s not acceptable at any time and, given the fact that our forests are tinder dry, this is not good … and people are very upset, as are we,” said O’Brien. “It is selfish and unacceptable.”
O’Brien said people who see cigarettes, cigars or other smoking material toss from vehicles are asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP detachment’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and provide the licence plate of the vehicle and where the offence occurred.
Enforcement action could be taken where applicable and police will also check to make sure discarded butts are not left smouldering to possibly start fires.
Police are also reminding the public that smoking is prohibited in all city parks.
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