A ban on spitting in public places looks set to be introduced in Redbridge.

The Labour council will formally apply to the government to introduce a byelaw outlawing the practice, if agreed by cabinet at a meeting on April 7.

Enfield council already has the byelaw in place and Waltham Forest council issues fixed penalty notices by classing spitting as litter.

Redbridge council said 94 per cent of the 600 people who took part in a consultation last year supported the ban.

If approved, spitting would become a criminal offence, incurring a £80 fine.

Cllr Ross Hatfull, cabinet member for community safety, said the introduction of the byelaw would act as a deterrent.

“We believe that spitting is a disgusting habit and a fine is a necessary deterrent to those who engage in this revolting behaviour," he added.