Smokers caught flicking their stub on the pavement in Paris will now face a €68 (£50) fine. This sanction is among stricter measures to stop people dropping cigarette butts on the streets of Paris have come into force.

An estimated 350 tonnes of cigarettes are discarded on the streets of Paris each year, city officials say.

France's ban on smoking in public places was extended to include bars and restaurants in 2008. About 28% of people in France are regular smokers - a relatively high rate for the EU.

Some observers say the ban in bars and restaurants has increased littering as smokers are forced outside.

Cigarette butts can take years to decompose, during which time they release heavy metals and pollutants.

"These toxic substances are harmful to surrounding flora and fauna, and when swept or thrown into gutters they also pollute the water," the city authorities said in a statement.