Fines for litter and fly tipping may rise

LITTER fines could be increased as part of a new drive to tackle the problem, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said.

There is to be a consultation on increasing the current £50 amount people have to pay in fixed penalty notices for littering and fly tipping.

Mr Lochhead said he would find out if raising the fine would he “helpful”. Scotland’s first national litter strategy is being developed, with proposals for consultation due in the summer.

The Scottish Government said it is keen to tackle the problem before the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup next year.

The recent Scottish Household Survey found about a quarter of people believe that litter is a problem in their community.