'Polluters always pay': Firms face unlimited fines for polluting environment from today

Stuart Stone
clock • 3 min read
Credit: iStock
Image:

Credit: iStock

Environment Agency scraps £250,000 cap on fines as it looks to crack down on sewage, agricultural, illegal waste, and air pollution offences

Companies which pollute Britain's waterways and natural habitats could face unlimited fines from today after the Environment Agency's (EA) £250,000 cap on Variable Monetary Penalties (VMPs) was scrapped....

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