Car owners targeted by litter law

CAR OWNERS could be fined if other people drop litter out of their vehicles under new laws approved by peers.

The new law would mean the registered owner of a vehicle would face a civil penalty even if they were not responsible for the littering.

Home Office minister Lord Taylor said it would give councils an extra power to tackle the "scourge" of rubbish lying on the roadside.

The power would be on top of the current criminal offence, which can only be used when the person responsible is identified.

Tory backbench peer Lord Marlesford, who has led the calls for the Government to adopt the new power, has argued the criminal penalty is of limited use because it is often hard to find who was responsible for the littering.

Putting forward an amendment at the third reading of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, Lord Taylor hit out at the "thoughtlessness" of people who littered from vehicles.

Under the amendment, ministers will be able to bring in regulations introducing the new laws.

Lord Taylor said: "These powers are intended to make life easier for local authorities."

Congratulating Lord Marlesford on persuading the Government to adopt the proposals, Lord Taylor said: "All of us in this House share your views about the scourge of litter defacing our roads, towns and countryside.

"This new measure will enable us to give local authorities in England an additional power to tackle this anti-social behaviour."

Lord Marlesford said both Home Secretary Theresa May and Environment Secretary Owen Paterson backed the new powers.

He said: "This must be regarded as a real step in enabling us to add to the cleanliness of our streets and roads as a much needed and benevolent element of the national pride we all feel in the England we love."

The Bill has cleared the Lords and the littering proposals will now be considered by MPs.

By Nicholas Randall, Press Association