London councils bring in fines for litter lout drivers

Simon Bull, London24 editor Friday, June 1, 2012
7:48 AM

Motorists in London are to face fines for litter thrown from their vehicles – even if a passenger is to blame.

People who toss rubbish from cars and other vehicles will face automatic penalties of up to £100 from next month in a new clampdown on roadside litter.

Councils across London have new powers, due to come into force within weeks, to issue vehicle owners with penalty charge notices for littering, and can use CCTV to note number plates and trace registered owners.

Previously, councils had to prove beyond reasonable doubt who had thrown the litter but this legal loophole has been closed by new laws steered through Parliament by London Councils, the body representing the capital’s 33 local authorities.

Campaign group Keep Britain Tidy found that one in five people admitted throwing litter from vehicles.

Councillor Catherine West, chairwoman of London Councils’ transport and environment committee, said: “Rubbish piled up at the side of the road after being flung from vehicles is a real eyesore. It’s anti-social and from now on councils who have to clean up the mess will be able to fine car owners regardless of who threw the rubbish.”

London Councils will decide the exact level of fine shortly.