Public to report on litterbugs, EPA fines from 1 March


For the first time in NSW, fines for littering from vehicles can be issued based on reports from the public.

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.”

According to the Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford, littering from vehicles is a major problem.

“Over 90 per cent of litter reported from vehicles are cigarette butts,” Councillor Ford said.

“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,” he said.

“Litterbugs will think twice if anyone in the street can report them for a fine.”

The EPA will commence issuing penalty notices from 1 March 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 from February 1.

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.

For more information visit the EPA website:
www.epa.nsw.gov.au/litter/index.htm

For more information visit Hawkesbury City Council