Drivers face tougher litter rules

[Taf]

New regulations have been drawn up to make sure people who throw litter out of car windows are fined.

Local authorities in England and Wales often find it difficult to prove that a particular individual was to blame.

The Local Government Association wants a new system where the vehicle owner would face a penalty of up to £80 if the culprit cannot be identified.

A pilot scheme in London from June could be extended across the country by environment minister Joan Ruddock.

Ms Ruddock told The Times she was "always horrified and angry" when she saw people throwing rubbish from vehicles.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7343937.stm

I wonder if she is "always horrified and angry" when a pedestrian drops rubbish?

[Anna]

and who is going to watch people dropping litter? the police on the streets? the police on the motorways? ... what police

[Taf]

The new law on parking fines means that a CCTV image can be used to prove guilt... so perhaps they are going to be watching for auto-litterbugs too?

You won't know you've been caught until the fine arrives in the post....

[Mike]

About time they clamped down on these litter louts, it's not uncommon to see people emptying ash trays straight out of their cars straight onto the road and most days I see drivers throwing rubbish out of their windows, they seem to think if in a car they are immune, hopefully not for any longer. At least if they see a pedestrian they know exactly who it is and they can't use the excuse it wasn't them like drivers do at the moment, it's exactly the same way as speeding offences work

The proposal is any camera showing the offence and this can include the general public using phone cameras

[Anna]

I hate lit fags being thrown from car windows ... but then I hate people smoking while driving ... bloody dangerous !!

[fred]

no problem with fining the litterlouts

[dogsmum]

 It was over 10 years ago that Deans' (eldest son) mate was fined for throwing a ciggie out of his car window. The woman driving behind him took his number and reported him

[Anna]

Really? Thats good news (not for Deans mate though), did he just get a letter through?

[Spite]

The proposal is any camera showing the offence and this can include the general public using phone cameras

  So long as they're not driving, at the same time...

  I don't know.  I think there's worse things they should think about sorting.  Of course, the cynic in me says, "Ooh, look!  Another offence where there just happens to be an eighty pounds fine."

[dogsmum]

Really? Thats good news (not for Deans mate though), did he just get a letter through?

 Hmmm cant really remember that, sorry 'tis my age I guess

[Mike]

If the litter wardens are out in London today they could make a fortune from the marathon