Flexibility
Defra have announced that Natural England will be granted more flexible powers to enforce breaches of wildlife legislation. The legislation applies to certain protected species such as the great crested newt, water vole, badgers and natterjack toads. The legislation also applies to all of our resident bat species.
Formerley Natural England had only three options available, these were
- issue of warning letters
- issue of caution
- full criminal prosecution
New powers
Under the new powers regulators will be able to match the strength of the sanction to the seriousness of the offence and also:
- Halt illegal activities
- order the restoration of environmental damage
- impose fines where legislation has been breached
Further information can be found on Natural Englands website by following the link below
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/about_us/news/2010/030210.aspx
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