The Driving Out Litter in County Durham campaign took place during August and targeted known hot spot areas, including the area around the supermarkets and fast food outlets at Tindale Crescent. It was aimed at encouraging people to not throw litter out of their car windows and put their rubbish in the bin or recycle it at the end of their journey.
During the campaign:
• officers spoke to 1,717 people to encourage them to dispose of litter properly and report any incidents they see of litter being thrown from cars;
• 511 people signed a pledge card promising to dispose of litter responsibly;
• 588 car litter bags were given to drivers;
• 186 stubbie pouches were given to smokers to encourage them not to throw cigarette ends out of their car windows;
• 177 fixed penalty notices were issued to people seen throwing rubbish from cars; and
• 50 advisory letters were issued to educate motorists about the impact littering can have on the environment and local wildlife.
People can report incidents of litter being thrown from cars – providing as much information as possible, including details of the vehicle and the date and time of the offence – by contacting Durham County Council on 03000 26 1000 or online at www.durham.gov.uk/littering.