Some throwaway advice for motorists

Many drivers are unaware that littering from a vehicle is a criminal offence, says Mike Thompson

Motorists need to be reminded that throwing rubbish from a vehicle could result in hefty fines, as campaigners warn roadside littering is continuing to rise across the UK.

Campaigners and councils have warned that roadside litter has become an increasing issue in recent years, with fast food packaging, cigarette butts and drinks containers among the most common items found along verges and laybys.

To help avoid penalties and keep roads cleaner, motorists need to take responsibility for their rubbish during journeys, as under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, anyone caught littering can be prosecuted and fined up to £2,500 by the courts. Local authorities can also issue fixed penalty notices, with many councils handing out on-the-spot fines of around £150.

Outside London, councils also have powers to issue penalties to the registered keeper of a vehicle if litter is thrown from it, even if they were not the person responsible.

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. 

Keeping roads clean and avoiding littering fines

Drivers can also help reduce roadside litter by doing the following:

• Keep a small rubbish bag or container inside the car
• Dispose of food packaging, drinks bottles and cigarette ends responsibly
• Avoid leaving loose rubbish in door compartments or footwells
• Use bins at service stations or when reaching your destination.

Remember that registered vehicle keepers can still receive penalties if litter is thrown from their car.

Roadside litter can quickly build up in laybys, industrial estates and rural roads, creating problems for local communities and increasing clean-up costs for councils.

While many drivers focus on dangerous driving offences, littering from vehicles can still carry significant penalties if motorists are caught.

Mike Thompson is chief operating officer at Leasing Options