More bins and heavier fines to beat litter louts

EXTRA bins are to be placed in litter hot-spots around Britain as ministers launch a new strategy to clean up UK streets today, warning there is “no excuse” for dropping rubbish.

An £800 million litter problem is putting the UK’s reputation for unspoilt green spaces at risk, Andrea Leadsom, the Environment Secretary, said, as she announced plans to tackle waste across the country.

Ms Leadsom described litter as a “shocking drain on the public purse” and called on people to do more to avoid putting tourists off. She also revealed plans to fine people who drop waste up to £150 – double the current littering penalty.

But ministers have chosen not to tackle coffee cup waste in the new strategy, despite millions of cups being discarded every day and calls for a cup tax similar to the 5p plastic bag charge.

More bins will be rolled out and smart bin technology will help councils understand where hot-spots are and when bins need emptying. For the first time a litter map will measure how much waste is being dumped so that ministers can measure improvement, the Government announced.

It will be followed by a country-wide anti-litter campaign in 2018, designed to make littering as socially unacceptable as drink-driving and smoking in front of children.

Ms Leadsom said: “England prides itself on its iconic landscapes, and from ramblers to surfers, our scenic environment attracts millions of visitors every year.

“We can’t let litter louts put our reputation at risk, and putting a stop to lit- ter is a vital part of our ambition to become the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.”

As part of the plan litter experts will advise councils on how to cut down on problem rubbish in public spaces.

In addition, 25 litter hot-spots on the transport network will be identified and fines increased to prevent people from using the areas to dump refuse.

Kate Parminter, Liberal Democrat shadow DEFRA secretary, said: “This litter strategy is a load of rubbish. The Government could have taken the simple step and added a charge for disposable cups but they have missed the opportunity.

“Ignoring the mounting pressure and calls for action to charge for coffee cups will only see the government fail as cups continue to get left as rubbish on our streets.”