CORNISH authorities are highlighting a fresh drive against litter louts – after work to cut back roadside vegetation exposed the extent of the problem.

Sue James, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: ‘Recently we have removed a lot of vegetation on the verges next to some of our roads so the problem has become more visible for residents and road users. 

‘We have a regular programme of litter picking on both the trunk roads managed by Highways England, and the roads we are responsible for. 

‘We also liaise with CORMAC on any planned roadworks so teams can litter pick at the same time.

‘This reduces the cost to the council and also the inconvenience to road users.

‘However the reality is that this problem would almost disappear overnight if the litterbugs acted more responsibly so we are calling on people to reflect on their actions and do the right thing and take their litter home with them rather than disposing of it on the roads.’

Dropping litter is a criminal offence under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 

Authorised officers can issue fixed penalty notices of £80 for littering offences, an amount due to increase to £150 later this year.  

Failure to pay may result in a prosecution before a Magistrates Court where the maximum fine is £2,500. 

Changes to the law last year mean the authorities can apply these litter penalties to vehicle owners if it can be proved the rubbish was thrown from their car, van or lorry, even if was discarded by a passenger.

Cllr James said wherever possible the council investigates reported offences .

‘It’s up to all of us to play a more active role in catching offenders,’ she said. 

‘It is only when those who litter believe they will get caught that this anti-social behaviour will reduce.’

 Anyone who sees someone throwing litter from a vehicle or dumping it in a layby in Cornwall can report it to the Council at