Enfield Borough Council, in north London, has submitted a request to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to approve a new bye-law, after its plan to prohibit spitting won overwhelming public support.

More than 3,000 residents signed a petition in favour of a ban, while just four raised objections during a consultation period.

If Mr Pickles gives the thumbs-up, the council aims to have the ban in place within a month.

Council enforcement officers would be empowered to hand out fixed penalty notices - expected to be around £80 - to anyone caught spitting. Those refusing to pay could face prosecution and a potential fine of up to £5,000.

Although the borough's CCTV cameras would not be used to detect incidents of spitting, it is thought that film could be brought in evidence in any court cases.

Enfield councillor Chris Bond, environment member of the council's cabinet, said: "Spitting is a truly disgusting habit and the vast majority of people are in favour of us banning it.

"It is now up to the Government to decide whether or not we can ban spitting in this borough and I'd urge them to listen to the views of people living here and give us the ability to tackle this foul practice once and for all."