Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 February 2005. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Friday, 4 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it an offence for vehicle users to cause damage to other vehicles or road users by throwing litter, with particular reference to cigarette ends.

Answer: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it an offence for vehicle users to cause damage to other vehicles or road users by throwing litter, with particular reference to cigarette ends. [213339] Alun Michael: The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill which has completed its committee stage in the House on 1 February 2005, confirms the definition of litter as including the dropping of cigarette ends as well as chewing gum. This will specifically enable enforcement officers to issue fixed penalty notices to road users who throw cigarette ends from their vehicles. The Bill does not contain a specific clause aimed at vehicle users who cause damage to other vehicles or road used, by throwing litter.

Secondary information