12 Apr 2008

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Ministers are holding talks with town hall chiefs in a bid to close a loophole that has stopped officials imposing new in the spot fines of up to £80.

At present they can only take action against the individual litter bug not the registered keeper of the car which has proved difficult for local authorities.

But the new proposals would mean the registered owner of the vehicle has to pay a fine themselves or identify the litter bug.

Environment minister Joan Ruddock is said: "There is no excuse for littering, particularly from cars, as people can save rubbish inside their car and dispose of it at home.

"I am always horrified and angry when I see people throw something from a car."

A spokeswoman for the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said they were in talks "to find the best solution to this loophole".

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