Registered vehicle owners could be fined for litter thrown from their car, even if they weren't the ones driving at the time, under plans being considered by the Welsh Government.

Roadside litter blights communities and harms wildlife. For local authorities, it causes a significant financial burden and means money has to be diverted from other crucial services, like education, housing and libraries.

Under current law, enforcement action can only be taken if the person responsible for littering can be identified, which local authorities say makes it hard to tackle.

The Welsh Government are asking for views and evidence on whether Wales should introduce a penalty to the person who the vehicle is registered to, whether they were the person responsible or even in the car at the time. Similar powers already exist in England and are due to be introduced in Scotland.

No decision has been made yet, and people in Wales are invited to contribute before the closing date of October 14

The question is one part of a wider consultation on environmental sustainability, which also asks about raising the maximum fixed penalty for fly-tipping to £5,000.

Plaid Cymru’s Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said: “No-one likes litter. Roadside rubbish makes an area unsightly, impacts our local economies and communities, and poses risks to the environment and to wildlife.

roadside litter wales
Plaid Cymru’s Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said: “It's often impossible to prove who in a car threw litter out, so councils' hands are tied even when they know it's happened.” (Welsh Gov)

“It's often impossible to prove who in a car threw litter out, so councils' hands are tied even when they know it's happened.

“I'd encourage everyone to give us their views and help us clean up our roadsides.”

No specific legislative proposal has been made at this stage. The White Paper is seeking evidence on whether Welsh Ministers should consider introducing civil penalty powers for registered vehicle keepers in cases of littering from a vehicle.