Woluwe-Saint-Pierre plans 'zero-tolerance' approach to anti-social behaviour

If you're in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre any time soon, make sure you're on your best behaviour.

The Brussels municipality has announced a "zero-tolerance" stance against day-to-day incivilities such as playing loud music or not cleaning up dog mess - with on-the-spot fines of up to €350.

The approach is inspired by local policing in Cannes on the French Riviera. "It's a question of respect and maintaining quality of life," said Woluwe-Saint-Pierre mayor Benoît Cerexhe.

From 1 June, an army of 17 municipal agents will crack down on everything from discarded cigarette butts to putting your rubbish out at the wrong time.

The municipality is making increased use of the system of administrative sanctions (SAC) introduced in 1999. In 2011, it issued 387. Last year, that figure rose to 2,964 - mostly for bad parking.

The agents cannot oblige an offender to hand over their identity card and have no powers of arrest - but the Montgomery local police division supports the initiative and will lend a hand where needed.