Environment Minister Rob Stokes has announced a new reporting system for littering offences is now up and running.
“Thousands of community members already report littering from vehicles to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) each year resulting in warning letters, so we know there is tremendous support in the community for reporting and a low tolerance for littering,” Mr Stokes said.
“We want people to know that, if they litter from a vehicle, they run the risk of being seen, being reported and facing a hefty penalty.”
Over 90 per cent of litter reported from vehicles are cigarette butts. This is not only bad for the environment, bit it is a serious fire risk.
The Environment Protection Authority’s social research shows there is strong support in the community for litter fines. The EPA will start issuing penalty notices from March 1, 2015.
Reports must be made using either the new portal on the EPA website or the upgraded Report to EPA mobile app which is downloadable at http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/litter/from-vehicle.htm
All reports will undergo a verification process before a fine is issued, and a person who reports (must be aged 18+) may need to provide evidence in court. Motorists are advised not to use mobile phones illegally, or act dangerously to catch someone in the act.
Reports must be made within 14 days of the incident and must include a range of information including car registration and description, date, time, location and the type of littered item where possible.
Fines for littering from a vehicle range from $250 for an individual, $500 for a corporation, to $900 for aggravated littering such as lit cigarette butts during extreme conditions.
