Littering motorists 'should get points'

12/07/11

Katrina McLachlan

More than three in 10 people believe that motorists who throw litter out of their car windows should be given points on their licence, a survey has found.

Research conducted by Your Cover insurance discovered that a huge 81 per cent of people think littering drivers should be punished, with 34 per cent wanting offenders to receive at least three penalty points.

The survey comes as ministers review whether to change the Localism Bill so that litter throwing drivers are given £80 fixed penalty notices.

Out of those questioned for the poll, 52 per cent said they feel angry and frustrated when people litter, while a quarter of people are prepared to confront those that drop rubbish.

And people are more prepared to speak up as they get older, with 31 per cent of over 55s saying they would confront littering motorists, compared with 21 per cent of under-24s.

Gareth McChesney, head of home and motor portfolio management for Your Cover insurance, said: "If offenders were to receive points on their licence as a penalty, they could see their insurance premiums rise too in the region of £40 to £50 which would be most unwelcome."