DRIVERS across Dorset can now use their dashcam footage to report rubbish thrown from vehicles - and those caught could face fines of up to £100.
With over seven million UK drivers admitting they have dropped cigarette butts out of their cars, local motorists are being encouraged to report the vehicles they see littering.
New rules came into force in April 2018 to allow local authorities to fine the registered keeper of a vehicle if litter is seen being thrown from the vehicle – meaning they must no longer prove who threw the rubbish.
Now drivers are able to upload their dashcam footage when reporting a vehicle littering.
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Jeremy Gallagher, Enforcement Team Leader at Dorset Council, said: “We act on every single report we receive, so we’re encouraging all drivers around Dorset to take action against litter thrown from vehicles by keeping an eye out and reporting incidents using the online form. Remember: See it – Report it.”
Litter Free Dorset, a campaign to reduce litter and waste as well as improve water quality across Dorset, are urging drivers on Dorset’s roads to report these incidents to help keep our roads and verges clear of litter.
In May this year, Dorset Council spent four days removing 1.5 tonnes of litter and fly-tipped rubbish from one Dorset road, costing money and causing road disruption.
Emma Teasdale, Litter Free Dorset Coordinator, said: “We all know that cigarette butts contain harmful chemicals that can harm wildlife and pollute our seas and rivers, but did you know that seven million UK drivers have admitted to dropping cigarette butts out of their cars.
“By encouraging all drivers to report incidents of litter thrown from vehicles, Litter Free Dorset is reminding Dorset drivers that it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect the natural environment we’re so lucky to live in.”
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Anyone in Dorset is able to easily report rubbish thrown from a vehicle using the Dorset Council online reporting page, it is here you can provide dashcam footage as supporting evidence. Reports can still be made without dashcam footage, but Litter Free Dorset say it is the best form of evidence to support a report.
Report incidents at https://dorset-self.achieveservice.com/service/DWP_Report_litter_on_the_highway_or_pavement
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