Litterbugs in Swale have been handed the fourth most fines in the county.

Figures revealed by a Freedom of Information request show that in the year to April 2012, Swale council issued 55 fixed penalty notices.

Of these, 40 were paid straight away. Others might have been cancelled on appeal or paid later in court.

One of the 55 notices resulted in court action, with another six possible cases pending.

District and borough councils have the power to give out fines of up to £80 to anyone who is caught dropping rubbish in the street.

In 2010/11, Swale council dished out 27 fines, and in 2009/10 the number was 42.

Across Kent, more than 4,600 notices were given out – with Maidstone council issuing 3,967.

Five councils issued fewer than 10 figures throughout 2011/12, including Dover District Council, which has not given out any in three years.

A spokesman for Swale council said: “We take littering very seriously.

“Although the vast majority of the streets in Swale are litter-free, we are not resting on our laurels, and we know that there is more to be done.

“While out and about, the environment wardens will issue anyone dropping litter with a fixed penalty.

“A combination of the presentations in schools, media releases and signs around the borough mean that everyone in Swale should know that if they drop litter, they face a very real chance of receiving a fixed penalty notice for £80.

“Littering is completely unnecessary, which is why if a litter bug fails to pay the penalty, we will prosecute.

“Our message is clear – wherever you are in Swale, if you drop litter, you are liable to a fine or even prosecution. So please take your rubbish home with you, or use a bin.”

Police community support officers are also able to issue litter fines, but handed out just two in Kent last year.

A spokesman for Kent Police said they do not have targets for issuing tickets and in most circumstances when littering is observed, a request to pick the litter up and dispose of it correctly is usually sufficient to solve the problem.