We all know that Oxford's record for recycling has been abysmal.
The city's figure has hovered at a pathetic 16 per cent, while other districts in the county, notably Cherwell, have forged ahead.
But does the city council really have to threaten its residents with the big stick to catch up?
Families who dump black bags in the street, or put their wheelie bins out on the pavement on the wrong day, will face a £75 fixed penalty from enforcement officers once the honeymoon period is over.
What an odd way to get people on your side.
The council needs the support of everyone to improve its poor performance. Encouragement should be the key word, not punishment.
Other councils appear to have won over their residents and got them into the recycling mood without resorting to such punitive measures.
Why does the city council think its people will be any different?
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