The CCTV dog fouling camera van will patrol for 10 weeks

The council vehicle is scouring notorious areas of north Edinburgh and Leith over the next 10 weeks.

Environmental wardens have compiled a list of worst-affected areas such as Granton, Muirhouse, Pilton and Drylaw.

Owners will be given a �50 on-the-spot fine - which could rise to �500 and a criminal record if it is not paid.

Norman Work, Edinburgh Council vice convenor of the health, social care and housing committee, said: "Dog fouling has been raised as a particular area of concern by residents in parts of North Edinburgh.

"Accordingly, environmental wardens will be dedicating a day a week over the next 10 weeks to tackling the problem in this area, in conjunction with community police officers.

"Their enforcement work will be supported by the use of mobile CCTV to assist with surveillance of particular problem areas.

"The majority of dog owners recognise that dog fouling is both unsightly and poses a health hazard.

"However, our environmental wardens will not hesitate to take action against persistent offenders to ensure that people abide by their responsibility to pick up after their pets."