LGA calls for new powers to tackle litter from cars

Outside of London, local authorities currently have to identify the exact person who has thrown litter from a car in order to issue a fine, which can often prove difficult. Council’s are calling for a change in regulation, giving them the power to fine the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who threw the rubbish.

The LGA hopes these new powers will go some way to tackling the growing problem of roadside littering. Approximately 80 tonnes of car litter was collected from 18 miles of A roads in North Hertfordshire during an annual clear up this year, while 20 tonnes of rubbish was also collected along a 16 mile stretch of the A42 in Leicestershire.

LGA Environment spokesman Peter Box said: "Road litter is a huge and spiralling problem which is threatening to overwhelm some of the nation's roads. It is difficult – and dangerous – for councils to clear up.

"The litter louts who blight our roads and cost council taxpayers millions in clean-up costs are currently getting away scot free thanks to a legal loophole.

"It's time for the lazy, selfish people who toss rubbish from moving cars learn this behaviour is simply unacceptable.

"We are calling on the Government to urgently give councils the appropriate powers to tackle this issue head-on."

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