Press Release
26th March 2002
Litter Lout Laws - McNeil
Welcomes Moves to get Tough
The Scottish Executive is looking
again at laws designed to stop Inverclyde's streets being defaced
with dumped rubbish and abandoned cars.
A review of how the legislation covering littering and fly-tipping is working has now begun, MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, told the Telegraph today. The review, expected to be completed by the summer, will also examine whether local councils are using the full extent of their existing powers.
The Executive is also making it easier to get abandoned cars off the streets before they become a target for vandals. It aims to cut the notice required before removing an abandoned wreck from 7 days to 24 hours. The notice period for disposing of abandoned cars which appear to have some value is also set to be cut.
Welcoming the moves Mr McNeil said:
"Selfishly dumping rubbish in closes, or mattresses on back greens, or old cars on street corners depresses a community and drags down morale. It is not acceptable.
"While it is the job of the local authority to deal with this sort of anti-social behaviour on the ground, it is up to the Scottish Parliament to make sure they have the tools for the job.
"That is why I made representations to the Scottish Executive, asking if they felt the current laws were strong enough and whether they should go further. I am pleased they are taking the issue seriously and reviewing the current system.
"I will shortly be contacting my colleagues in Inverclyde Council, asking how they intend to ensure our voice is heard in this review process."
During the fly-tipping and littering legislation review, all local authorities, SEPA and others with an interest such as Keep Scotland Beautiful, will have the opportunity to submit their views on the current position and make recommendations on any possible changes to the legislation or other remedies which would assist them in maintaining standards.
Currently, cars deemed to be
"abandoned" and appearing to be of no value cannot be
removed for at least 7 days. The Executive has just completed
consulting on proposals to reduce this to 24 hours. Vehicles
which appear to have value can already be removed immediately,
however it is proposed to reduce the notice period before
disposal from 21 days to between 7 and 14 days. The responses
received to the consultation paper are currently being
considered.
ENDS
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