Registered vehicle owners in Wales could be fined for litter thrown from their car even if they were not driving at the time, under plans being considered by the Welsh Government.
The government is asking for views and evidence on whether a penalty should apply to the person the vehicle is registered to, whether or not they were responsible for the littering or in the car. Similar powers already exist in England and are due to be introduced in Scotland.
Under current law, enforcement can only be taken if the person who littered can be identified, which local authorities say makes roadside litter hard to tackle. The government says roadside litter blights communities, harms wildlife and creates a significant financial burden for councils, diverting money from services such as education, housing and libraries.
No decision has been made. People in Wales are invited to respond before the closing date of 14 October 2026. The question forms part of a wider consultation on the Rural Proofing and Environmental Sustainability White Paper, which also asks about raising the maximum fixed penalty for fly-tipping to £5,000. No specific legislative proposal has been made at this stage.
Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability Llyr Gruffydd said:
“No-one likes litter. Roadside rubbish makes an area unsightly, impacts our local economies and communities, and poses risks to the environment and to wildlife.
“It’s often impossible to prove who in a car threw litter out, so councils’ hands are tied even when they know it’s happened.
“I’d encourage everyone to give us their views and help us clean up our roadsides.”
