Drivers urged to stop ‘filthy’ habit – £2,500 fines
British drivers could be issued a hefty £2,500 fine for breaking one little-known rule behind the wheel.
Motorists are at risk of being slapped with a hefty £2,500 fine for making a simple error while behind the wheel of a vehicle, according to experts. Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, stressed that throwing rubbish from a vehicle could result in hefty fines, with road users at risk of being caught out for breaking the driving rule.
Roadside littering has become a more serious problem in recent years, with councils dealing with everything from fast food packaging to cigarette butts and drinks containers along verges and laybys. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, motorists found to be throwing rubbish onto the side of the road can be slapped with fines.
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These are hefty financial penalties, with many councils handing out on-the-spot fines of around £150. However, some serious cases could lead to much higher consequences, with road users at risk of being issued fines of up to £2,500 for breaching the rule.
Mike explained: “Many motorists still underestimate how seriously roadside littering is treated, but councils across the UK are taking increasing action against drivers caught throwing rubbish from their vehicles. Not only does roadside litter make communities and roads look untidy, but somebody ultimately has to clear it up, often in dangerous conditions close to moving traffic. It also creates unnecessary costs for councils and taxpayers.
“Simple habits can make a huge difference. Keeping a small rubbish bag in the car or waiting until you reach a bin can help drivers avoid fines and reduce the growing problem of roadside litter.”
Labour seems keen to crackdown on littering, with the Department for Environment looking at tough new measures.
The Government said that this would make it harder for offenders to continue dumping items illegally and send a clear warning that fly-tipping is not tolerated.
Officials are considering introducing new penalties which could see litterers lose their driving licence completely as part of the new ‘Waste Crime Action Plan’.
Under the plan, drivers found throwing rubbish out of their cars will be handed penalty points on their licence. Road users who pick up 12 penalty points or more within three years can be disqualified from the roads.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds explained: “We are empowering local authorities to deal with fly-tipping, like seizing and crushing vehicles, and are urging them to make use of the whole range of measures available to them.”
