Overview

This bill introduces a fixed penalty for littering from vehicles in England and requires local authorities to publicly disclose details of their litter collection contracts.

Description

The bill creates a civil penalty for littering from vehicles, applying the existing Environmental Protection Act 1990 offence to this context. The registered keeper of the vehicle is liable, even if they didn't directly litter, unless the vehicle is a public service vehicle, hackney carriage, or licensed private hire vehicle and the litterer is a passenger. The penalty amount and enforcement procedure will be set by regulations, including a right of appeal. The bill also mandates the annual publication by local authorities of details about their litter collection contracts, including contractor names, payment amounts, geographical areas covered, and performance data.

Key Aspects:

• Civil Penalty: Fixed penalty for littering from vehicles.
• Registered Keeper Liability: Registered keeper responsible, unless exceptions apply.
• Regulations: Details on penalty amounts, enforcement, and appeals will be set by future regulations.
• Contract Transparency: Local authorities must publish details of litter collection contracts.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to significantly increase government spending. Costs may arise from the development and implementation of the regulations and potential appeals processes. However, no specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Drivers and Vehicle Owners: Potentially liable for civil penalties for littering from their vehicles.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for enforcing the new penalties and for publishing contract information.
• Litter Collection Contractors: Their contracts will be subject to greater transparency.
• Adjudicators: Will be appointed to handle appeals against penalties.

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