My administration is taking a zero-tolerance approach to the antisocial behaviour that blights our streets and undermines pride in our borough. That means tougher enforcement, real consequences and a clear message: if you break the rules in Croydon, you will be dealt with.
This marks a clear break from the past.
Before 2022, under Labour, enforcement teams were cut back and standards slipped. Fly-tipping, nuisance vehicles and antisocial behaviour were allowed to spread, while residents were left frustrated and streets deteriorated. Labour talked about enforcement but stripped out the capacity to deliver it.
I took a different approach.
Since becoming Mayor, I have invested in rebuilding Croydon’s enforcement teams and shifted the Council to intelligence-led, zero-tolerance action. We are no longer just issuing warnings. We are enforcing the rules, and the results speak for themselves.
Over the past 18 months, hundreds of offenders have faced action. Fly-tippers have been fined, illegal goods seized, nuisance vehicles removed, and businesses held to account.
Since September alone, more than 100 fines have been issued for fly-tipping following the creation of a dedicated investigation team. Early evidence shows this is already reducing fly-tipping in known hotspot areas.
We are holding businesses to higher standards. More than 1,000 inspections have been carried out to check proper waste disposal arrangements. Those found without them face fines or prosecution.
We are also taking tougher action against private landowners who allow sites to become dumping grounds. Where warnings are ignored, enforcement follows.
Problem garages that dump dangerous, unroadworthy vehicles on our roads are being shut down. In the last three months, 15 nuisance vehicles have been seized and crushed, freeing up parking spaces and making neighbourhoods safer.
Blue Badge abuse is being tackled head-on. Since May, more than 70 badges have been confiscated, 32 vehicles towed, four people prosecuted, with further prosecutions under way.
Our trading standards and food safety teams are enforcing the law rigorously. Around 10,000 illegal vapes, 93,000 illicit cigarettes and large quantities of illegal tobacco have been seized. Premises posing serious health risks have been closed.
This tougher enforcement is backed up by our proactive blitz cleans, delivering deep cleans and repairs in district centres so residents can see and feel the difference.
Crucially, residents support this approach - 94 per cent back direct enforcement action, with fly-tipping their biggest concern. After years of decline under Labour, people want order restored and rules enforced fairly.
This is only the beginning. We will go further, with increased use of CCTV and closer working with the Police and Fire Brigade to keep pressure on those who think Croydon is an easy target.
Croydon will not return to the lax enforcement and declining standards of the past.
Under my leadership, we are fixing the broken windows Labour left behind and restoring pride in Croydon, one street at a time.
