NEW LAWS TARGET STRAY SHOPPING TROLLEYS

New laws that encourage retailers to collect abandoned shopping trolleys would reduce the number of dumped trolleys littering Canberra's streets and parks, Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Jon Stanhope, said today.

Mr Stanhope said the Greens' Litter (Shopping Trolleys) Amendment Bill 2010 was passed by the Legislative Assembly today with the Government's support.

"Dumped shopping trolleys are unsightly and can be hazardous when left on bike paths or footpaths," Mr Stanhope said. "Trolleys can be left abandoned for several weeks until they are collected, often by the Government and ultimately at a cost to the community.

"The new laws will encourage retailers to collect abandoned shopping trolleys in a timely manner or face financial penalties for failing to act.

"Under the laws, retailers will face fines for failing to collect dumped trolleys within 24 hours of being made aware of them. Small retailers or retailers that introduce coin-lock devices will be exempt from the fines.

"Individuals will face fines where they are directed to return a dumped shopping trolley and fail to do so. Exemptions exist where this direction would be harsh or unreasonable for example where a parent would have to leave young children alone in a car.

"The Government has welcomed this opportunity to work with the ACT Greens to address the issue of stray shopping trolleys," Mr Stanhope said.

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au