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Drivers face tougher fines for littering

Local authorities in England and Wales are seeking tougher laws to prosecute motorists who dump rubbish from their cars, the Times reported yesterday.

  • Reuters
  • Published: 00:14 April 13, 2008
  • Gulf News

London: Local authorities in England and Wales are seeking tougher laws to prosecute motorists who dump rubbish from their cars, the Times reported yesterday.

The Local Government Association (LGA) wants the power to issue littering fines to vehicle owners in the same way as speeding violations, tracking them by their car licence numbers.

Identification

Current laws make enforcement difficult, even when the offence is caught by cameras, as the individual dropping the litter has to be identified before a penalty is issued.

Two-thirds of local authorities have not prosecuted a single fly-tipper in five years, according to the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

A pilot of the stronger powers is due to start in London in June and could be extended across England and Wales if it proves successful, the paper said.

"Registered keepers of vehicles can be prosecuted for speeding if details of the offender are given, so why not for littering?" LGA Chairman Paul Bettison asked.

Bettison is due to meet Waste Minister Joan Ruddock tomorrow to discuss his concerns.

"I am always horrified and angry when I see people throw something from a car," Ruddock told the paper.

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