SPITTING in public could soon land you with a hefty fine after councillors declared war on the 'repulsive' habit.
A borough-wide ban on spitting is set to be introduced after a motion backing the move was unanimously passed at Tuesday's (April 30) borough council meeting.
That means anyone caught spreading their saliva in public could be hit with an on-the-spot fine of up to £80, under similar powers to those already used to tackle litterbugs.
Conservative councillor Liz Mammatt, who proposed the motion, said spitting was not only unpleasant but could help spread disease.
"Spitting is an unhygienic, repulsive and unacceptable habit. Taking steps to prohibit it will help to protect the environment and people from exposure to possible health risks," she said.
She claimed the ban could help prevent the spread of tuberculosis, which recently became the council's responsibility.
Hounslow has one of the country's highest rates of TB. The disease is spread by inhaling droplets containing the bacteria but, according to the NHS, prolonged contact is believed to be necessary.
Hounslow Council already has a bye-law in place banning spitting in public halls, waiting rooms and places of public entertainment, but the practice is not yet forbidden on the borough's streets.
Labour councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: "The Hounslow Council Labour Group supported the motion to introduce a more thorough ban on spitting in public places as we believe it is an antisocial act for which fines should be imposed. The council will now explore how such a ban can be implemented and enforced effectively."
He added that the ban could be enforced by employees of Hounslow Highways, which is responsible for street cleaning and road repairs in the borough.
