New street signs have been installed in Hounslow warning litter louts they face a fine of up to £80 if they are caught in the act.

The signs were installed as the number of on-the-spot fines issued to litterbugs across the borough neared 50.

A total of 46 fines have now been issued, mostly by Hounslow Highways cleaning staff, since the council adopted a 'zero tolerance' approach last autumn.

Hounslow Council deputy leader Colin Ellar said: "These signs demonstrate our commitment to make Hounslow cleaner and our determination to pursue our zero tolerance approach to litter, fly tipping and enviro-crime. It's a declaration of intent that our war on grime is here to stay."

One of the litter warning signs in Brentford (Justin W Thomas)

People caught littering face an instant fine of up to £80, or up to £2,500 if they are prosecuted.

Keep Britain Tidy's most recent survey, carried out in December last year, suggested Hounslow's streets were getting cleaner.

You can report littering, fly-tipping or any other environmental crime at www.hounslowhighways.org or by calling 0208 583 2000.