Support of a law change to tackle roadside littering has been offered by Angus Council.
The local authority said such measures would increase enforcement opportunities against “irresponsible behaviour”.
Pressure group Angus Clean Environments wants the Scottish Government to progress the introduction of ‘registered keeper’ legislation.
The Angus crusaders have lifted more than 500 large black sacks of rubbish from the county’s litter-strewn roadways since November 2017.
They were left disgusted after picking up 122 items of rubbish following a recent blitz on a 500 metre stretch of road in East Haven.
Wendy Murray from ACE said enough is enough and they want the legislation to be put in place “with great urgency”.
She said: “Roadside littering is destroying Scotland’s landscape and costing the country millions of pounds every year.
“As can be seen from the recent litter pick and survey, the majority of roadside litter is food and drink related and probably thrown from vehicles.
“If the registered keeper is held responsible and subject to hefty fines and points on the licence it would act as a deterrent and bring about long lasting behavioural change.”
The legislation is already enacted in England and allows councils to impose fixed penalty notices (FPN) on the registered keeper of vehicles where there is evidence litter has been thrown.
The increase of dash-cam technology has enabled members of the public to submit evidence to local authorities who have subsequently been able to issue FPNs.
In Scotland, it is almost impossible for local authorities to impose FPNs as officers need to know who threw the litter from the vehicle.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the Scottish Government’s intention to look at having the registered keeper responsible for litter thrown from a vehicle.
“We wrote to them on the matter earlier this month in support of the move.
“Such measures would increase enforcement opportunities against this irresponsible behaviour.
“We hope it might also assist a change in culture and make people less likely to throw litter from their vehicles, or leave rubbish at the kerbside.
“If we can reduce the amount of litter being discarded from vehicles, we can help keep Angus beautiful and also cut the costs of clearing it from our towns, villages and countryside, which include the necessary precautions required to reduce risks for our staff working alongside busy roads.“
Angus South SNP MSP Graeme Dey said: “I know this is something that the Scottish Government has considered and I am seeking an update from them on where matters currently stand.
“From my perspective such a move would be very welcome, strengthening as it would efforts to tackle the scourge of littering.”
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Littering is unacceptable and antisocial whether it is done on foot or from a vehicle and we will continue to examine how we can best protect our beautiful country through legislation.
“We are grateful for the support of Angus Clean Environments and Keep Scotland Beautiful.”
