The law is straightforward. Irrespective of who within a vehicle throws litter, it is the registered keeper that faces the consequences. That is news to 33% of motorists. The purpose of this policy is to encourage registered keepers to ensure their passengers behave. The maximum fine is now £150 (was £80). Further:
- The default penalty has risen from £75 to £100
- In April 2019, the minimum penalty rises from £50 to £65
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey explained: “These new fines tackle antisocial behaviour by hitting the litter louts in the pocket. Littering is a scourge on our environment and we waste taxpayers’ money cleaning it up”. During 2016/17 alone, local councils spent £682 million retrieving litter. Such money could have been “better spent” elsewhere in the community, Coffey argued.
Harm caused by litter
- Kills wildlife
- Pollutes the environment
- Makes the streets look scruffy
- Creates a bad impression for tourists
- Blocks drains which increases the risk of flooding
- Diverts financial resources from (say) pothole repair
Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton, drew particular attention to the plight of small animals. She argued that millions of voles and shrews have explored bottles and cans at the roadside then died as a consequence. Cans can cut, for example.
“We need to get the message out there that being a tosser is socially unacceptable and – regardless of who throws the rubbish – if it comes out of your vehicle you are responsible”, she affirmed.
“Tossing rubbish from vehicles spoils the environment, costs millions and puts road workers’ lives at risk when they have to clear up. The majority of our members support higher fines for littering and we welcome these steps to tackle this unnecessary problem. It is not difficult to bag it and bin it”, Mr King stated. https://www.regit.cars/car-news/higher-penalties-for-motorists-that-throw-litter-from-vehicles_70942?utm_campaign=regit-030718b&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter
