Learner Drivers Targeted in Litter Campaign

Learner Drivers Targeted in Litter Campaign

Learner Drivers Targeted in Litter Campaign

 

A new campaign has been launched to draw attention to the problem of littering from vehicles. Stafford Borough Council is joining forces with driving schools across the borough to make sure learner drivers are aware of the new penalties for throwing litter from cars. The campaign is part of the council’s overall anti-litter campaign, which has attempted to encourage businesses and organisations to sign a pledge to help keep the borough clean.

The council has sent information cards to 30 driving schools in the borough and has asked instructors to hand them out to new motorists. The cards can also double up as an appointment card as an incentive for students to keep them instead of throwing them away.

Many of the borough’s residents have complained to the council about rubbish being throw from cars, especially drinks cans and fast food packaging, and the council have stepped up their monitoring of the situation. As a result, more than 240 people were fined or prosecuted for littering offences last year.

A local councillor said that the council have had a very positive response to the increased focus on enforcement from members of the public and local businesses. He added that litter being thrown out of cars is a big issue and the council believes it can only be a good thing that future generations of motorists are going to told why it’s not acceptable, and what will happen if they do litter.

The council spend £1 million every year cleaning up litter.

Local driving schools have welcomed the scheme, and say they want their students to become good and considerate motorists who respect the environment.

 

Image courtesy of Keep Britain Tidy

 

The #keepitclean campaign

After residents told the council they wanted to see a reduction in litter, they launched their #keepitclean campaign. This is what they are doing as part of the campaign:

  • Issuing on the spot fine of £75 to people who commit littering offences
  • Working with community groups to organise litter picks and other events that help keep the borough a clean and pleasant place to live, work, and visit
  • Asking businesses to sign up to an anti-litter pledge. Among the businesses and organisations who have signed up so far are Staffordshire Police, Lloyds Bank, Santander, McDonalds, Boots, HSBC, Staffordshire County Council
  • Working with schools to educate children about litter and the problems it can cause