“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.”

“Oh Lynn”

“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.”

“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'.”

“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?”

“Yes, why not, except that it would be very difficult to enforce. And I think I would prefer the local Police to prioritise all those people driving through and round Lincoln while using their mobile phones rather than chasing the owners of crisp packets, but in an ideal world neither would be a problem

Another possible route might be that fast-food venues could charge more for customers who eat out rather than eat in, extra income going to the street-cleaning department.

And what about a bounty for people who return bottles and cans? I suppose the Councils would say that the sale of waste from our blue bins provides taxpayers with an indirect income, but it would be interesting to say some figures here. Perhaps The Echo could investigate

Overall there is of course too much packaging, but take-aways really are so convenient!”

“I do hop the LGA are successful in their application for a chaqnge in the law as regards litter from motor cars.
I am a cyclist and constanlt se bottles,.fast food wrapping, nappies,baana skins,supermarjket bags full of rubbish all thrown from motor cars.
The penalty for dropping rubbish should apply to all occupants of the motor car above the age of 16 .Collective responsibility.Heavy fine for each occupant and five weekends clearing rubbish from grass verges with yellow jackets stating their offence.
The problem then would almost disappear”