Drivers in England face £150 fine 'even if they don't commit offence themselves'

Drivers face a £150 fine and risk breaking Highway Code rules - even if they didn't commit the offence. Rule 147 of the Highway Code warns road users and drivers to be considerate towards fellow motorists and passengers, especially those requiring extra care.

It warns drivers not to throw anything out of a vehicle, such as food or food packaging, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags. this can endanger other people using roads, particularly those towards the top of the hierarchy of road users, the Highway Code warns.

This means people like motorcyclists and cyclists. A spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers, who are waste disposal experts based in the north of the UK, told drivers never to litter if they are behind the wheel as this could lead to wildlife being injured or killed, and they could face hefty fines.

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They continued, saying: "The Government raised the maximum on-the-spot penalty for littering from £80 to £150 in 2018. Under these changes, local councils now possess the authority to fine car owners when evidence indicates litter was thrown from their vehicle."

The crackdown on littering drivers aims to address the widespread issue of discarded coffee cups, fast food wrappers, nappies, and cigarette ends littering roadsides and motorways which will hopefully lower these numbers," National Highways said earlier this year.

A change that actually came into force back in 2018 means that car owners are liable for any litter thrown from their vehicle. It means that if you're driving along and your mate decides to throw some rubbish out of the car window, it'll be you who is responsible for the littering.

Speaking out, National Highways went on and said: "Litter thrown from vehicles not only damages the environment and incurs substantial costs but also jeopardises the safety of road workers tasked with its removal."