Call for change in law to see more people fined for dropping rubbish from cars
LOCAL authorities could have the chance to fine litter louts if calls for a change in the law are heeded.
Currently, if a council officer reports litter being dumped from a moving vehicle, a fine can be posted to the keeper, but if the motorist denies the offence and no-one else comes forward, the authority must prove in court who littered.
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The Local Government Association (LGA) is now calling for a change to the law to redress the balance, meaning county authorities could potentially save money cleaning up after those dropping litter.
Councillor Gary Porter, chairman of the LGA's Environment Board, said: "Why should hundreds of millions of pounds of council taxpayers money be spent every year clearing up after these lazy litter louts?
"The nation's roads are blighted with fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts and empty bottles, but councils are hamstrung when it comes to taking action against thoughtless motorists dropping rubbish."
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by Gnome Chomsky, On the verge
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 9:30PM
“It does seem impossible to police. What are the odds of a council officer actually seeing somebody drop litter? About the same as the police actually seeing somebody jump a red light or park illegally outside a school at dropping-off time. Perhaps powers to investigate after the event would be in order, but we already see local authorities criticised for investigating lawbreakers as 'disproportionate' use of powers. Innocent until proven guilty, but nobody allowed to establish guilt.
Lynn, it must have been quite disconcerting for you to realise that this man did not know what he thought he was staring at. Presumably it was you.”
by susan, sudbrooke
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 5:54PM
“Oh Lynn”
by John, Hykeham
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 4:37PM
“I agree with the problem how ever the solution is not as easy since the law is innocent until proven guilty, hence seeing someone throwing rubbish is not accepted as proof unless there is at least a second witness. Alternatively a photograph would prove it but remember usually the car is moving and it might even be dark (after pubs close). As for cyclist John you would have to have an extra proof that the thrower was not under 16.
The old deposit system could still work on drinks related items as even if the buyer thrown it away someone would pick it up and return it for the deposit, while the other wrappings and take away cartons enforce the printing of the code of the shop who supplied it and either a fine or a charge for every one that is collected. I can't see it happening unless enough people ask for it.”
by lynn, lincoln
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 11:58AM
“I was parked next to a young man who opened his car door and promptly emptied his ashtray underneath the vehicle. I must have looked at him very disapprovingly, as he asked me in a very intimidating manner, 'what the hell did I think I was staring at'.”
by Anon, lincoln
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 9:38AM
“Yes Chris, like the young blonde lady who drove behind me this morning. All the way down Newland and Silver Street, onto Monks Road, in a black Vauxhall Tigra, with a mobile phone stuck to her ear. Perhaps she was on her way to the hospital to have it removed!
However, litter is the topic, and it is a problem - some people have no pride.
But like using mobile phones when driving ¿ how do you police it?”