Municipal officials have doubled the maximum penalty for littering in Paterson on Tuesday night.

The maximum fine for littering has been doubled from $1,000 to $2,000.

“I just hope we start enforcing things,” said councilman Flavio Rivera. He has often criticized mayor Andre Sayegh’s administration for lackluster performance in enforcing municipal ordinances.

Public works inspectors wanted the fines increased for a while, said councilman Luis Velez. He said public works had been anxious for the penalty hike. For new maximum penalty to deter litter bugs, the municipal court needs to hold people responsible for breaking the law.

A judge can impose a fine of $250 to $2,000, three months of imprisonment or community service.

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