MOVE TO CLOSE LITTER BUG LOOPHOLE

Ministers are holding talks with town hall chiefs in a bid to close a loophole that has stopped officials imposing new spot fines of up to £80 for such offences.

At present, they can only take action against the individual litter bug not the registered keeper of the car, which has proved difficult for local authorities.

London's bylaws will be changed in June to get around the problem, and environment minister Joan Ruddock is involved in discussions about how similar changes could be made across the country.

Under proposals put forward by the Local Government Association (LGA), car owners would either be made directly responsible or told, as with speeding offences, to identify the culprit.

Ms Ruddock told The Times newspaper: "There is no excuse for littering, particularly from cars, as people can save rubbish inside their car and dispose of it at home.

"I am always horrified and angry when I see people throw something from a car."

Paul Bettison, who chairs the LGA's environment board and is meeting the minister on Monday, said: "At a time when councils are coming under increasing pressure to deal with littering, some of the current legislation is a mire of confusion.

"Registered keepers of vehicles can be prosecuted for speeding if details of the offender are given, so why not for littering?

"As the law stands, local authorities are effectively charged with tackling this anti-social behaviour with their hands tied behind their backs."