FOUR motorists have been fined after being caught dropping rubbish from their cars, as part of a crackdown on littering.

Richmondshire District Council said members of its waste and street scene team had issued the £80 fines over the last three weeks, compared to seven over the last 12 months.

Councillor Tony Duff, the authority's street scene boss, said its officers worked constantly to maintain the appearance of the tourist destination, the main draw for which was its outstanding views and countryside.

He said: “Not only does litter make the area unsightly, it also creates a hazard for local wildlife and domestic animals.

"We are determined to crackdown on litter deposited from vehicles - and wherever we witness anyone depositing and leaving litter we will issue an on the spot fine of £80 - and may even prosecute.”

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes it illegal to leave litter in public areas - it can be anything from chewing gum and cigarette butts to a bin bag of rubbish.

Anyone witnessing a person depositing litter from a vehicle and is willing to complete a witness statement, should email streetscene@richmondshire.gov.uk or call 01748-829100.