MOTORISTS could be fined £80 if their passengers throw litter from the vehicle in the New Forest. New enforcement powers are being adopted by New Forest District Council (NFDC) as part of its work to reduce litter in the area.

The authority’s cabinet unanimously agreed at Wednesday’s meeting to adopt the new Littering from Vehicles powers, which give NFDC the ability to impose a Civil Penalty Notice on a registered keeper of a vehicle if their passengers throw litter from a vehicle.

Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Cllr Alison Hoare, said: “Most people respect the environment and take their litter home but there are sadly a few that do not.

"I cannot understand why anyone would throw waste from their vehicle, considering the damage it does not only to how the Forest looks but also the harm it causes to our wildlife. "It’s not difficult to take your rubbish home, or use one of the many waste and recycling bins we have across the district.

“Keeping our special part of the world litter-free is an important council duty, and I very much welcome these new powers.”

With the new powers, registered keepers of vehicles could be issued a Civil Penalty Notice of £80.