The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Council backing calls for litter law change
‘Registered keeper’ legislation seen as way to tackle issue of roadside rubbish
Support for a law change to tackle roadside littering has been offered by Angus Council.
The local authority said such measures would increase enforcement opportunities against “irresponsible behaviour”.
Pressure group Angus Clean Environments wants the Scottish Government to progress introduction of ‘registered keeper’ legislation.
The Angus crusaders have lifted more than 500 large black sacks of rubbish from the county’s litter-strewn roadways since November.
They were left disgusted after picking up 122 items of rubbish following a recent blitz on a 500-metre stretch of road in East Haven.
Wendy Murray of ACE said: “Roadside littering is destroying Scotland’s landscape and costing the country millions of pounds every year.
“As can be seen from the recent litter pick and survey, the majority of roadside litter is food and drink related and probably thrown from vehicles.
“If the registered keeper is held responsible and subject to hefty fines and points on the licence it would act as
“Roadside littering is destroying Scotland’s landscape and costing the country millions of pounds every year. WENDY MURRAY
a deterrent and bring about long-lasting behavioural change.”
The legislation is already enacted in England and allows councils to impose fixed-penalty notices (FPN) on the registered keeper of vehicles where there is evidence litter has been thrown.
Dash-cam technology has enabled members of the public to submit evidence to local authorities who have subsequently been able to issue FPNS.
In Scotland it is almost impossible for local authorities to impose FPNS as officers need to know who threw the litter from the vehicle.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the Scottish Government’s intention to look at having the registered keeper responsible for litter thrown from a vehicle.
“We wrote to them on the matter earlier this month in support of the move. Such measures would increase enforcement opportunities against this irresponsible behaviour.
“We hope it might also assist a change in culture and make people less likely to throw litter from their vehicles, or leave rubbish at the kerbside.”
Angus South SNP MSP Graeme Dey said: “From my perspective such a move would be very welcome, strengthening as it would efforts to tackle the scourge of littering.”
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Littering is unacceptable and anti-social, whether it is done on foot or from a vehicle, and we will continue to examine how we can best protect our beautiful country through legislation.
“We are grateful for the support of Angus Clean Environments and Keep Scotland Beautiful.”