GOVT, POLICE BLITZ ON UNCOVERED LOADS

ACT Government City Rangers, ACT Policing and the Road Transport Authority (RTA) will combine forces this week to target vehicles with uncovered loads, in effort to crack-down on roadside litter.

Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Jon Stanhope, said in the 2008-09 financial year, Canberra Connect received 1,200 litter-related calls and the Government spent $320,000 on clean-ups.

He said City Rangers responded to reports of roadside litter up to three times every week and each clean-up was labour intensive as the litter must be collected by hand.

"As summer is a popular time for Canberrans to clean up around the house, I am urging drivers to take care when transporting rubbish or green waste to the tip.

"Rubbish and other debris falling from the back of vehicles poses a safety risk to other road users and can cause crashes. Dust, soil and litter from vehicles can also block stormwater drains and pollute our waterways.

"Anyone caught littering will be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $200 for individuals or $500 for individuals associated with a business. Businesses caught dumping litter face a fine of up to $2,500."

Mr Stanhope said roadside litter was entirely preventable by following some simple steps.

To avoid fines and penalties:

• Choose a suitable vehicle for your load;
• Position the load so that it is secure and use a suitable restraint including a tarpaulin for loose material;
• Carry a bag in your vehicle for small amounts of rubbish;
• Keep rubbish in your car until you arrive home; and
• Place cigarette butts into an ashtray or bin.

Roadside litter or illegal dumping should be reported to Canberra Connect on 132281.

Media Contact:

John Schalch
62058500
0434 667 317
john.schalch@act.gov.au

Or

Jess Wurf
6205 0504
0411 772 700
jess.wurf@act.gov.au