London borough to ban public spitting

LONDON: If a proposal by British ministers and parliamentarians goes through, spitting on sidewalks or anywhere in public could land a person on the wrong side of the law. A council bylaw in the works could lead to a ban on public spitting, a common practice among South Asian communities.

The London Borough of Enfield has applied to secretary of state for local government Eric Pickles for provisional approval to the new law prohibiting spitting on the streets. In a letter, the ministers highlighted the reassurances given by Enfield council about the robustness of the proposed bylaws and the effective enforcement that the council intends to take. The bylaw was supported by Labour and Conservative groups on the council.

The bylaw makes it an offence to spit on the streets "without reasonable excuse". However, it would not cover spitting into a handkerchief or tissue.

"Spitting is a deeply anti-social and unpleasant practice. Spitting on Britain's streets is not socially acceptable," said Pickles. "In light of the cross-party support, we are giving the go-ahead to the council."

Councils across Britain have bylaws in place to tackle anti-social behaviour ? from dog fouling to urination. Ministers are of the view that public spitting falls in the same category.

"The public should be able to enjoy public spaces, their parks, streets and town centres, without nuisance or annoyance and bylaws can help prevent any nuisance to enhance public enjoyment of open spaces," the minister said.

Times View

Not only do we welcome this initiative, we strongly recommend that Indian cities should follow suit. Unfortunately, too many Indians tend to exhibit a deplorable lack of civic sense. However, where norms are clearly laid down and rigorously enforced, as with the Delhi Metro, a clear improvement becomes visible. Making not just spitting but even defecation in public illegal would go a long way in making Indian cities less of an eyesore.

Source: http://timesofindia.feedsportal.com/c/33039/f/533994/s/2ee9c42d/l/0Ltimesofindia0Bindiatimes0N0Cworld0Cuk0CLondon0Eborough0Eto0Eban0Epublic0Espitting0Carticleshow0C2117980A10Bcms/story01.htm

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