The Government has issued a formal corrigendum to the Litter Control (Amendment) Act 2024, clarifying who is liable for littering offences involving vehicles and strengthening enforcement against companies and their officers.

The correction tightens accountability while removing unintended liability for certain vehicle owners. For businesses, especially those operating fleets, public service vehicles or company cars, the changes clarify exposure and raise the stakes for corporate responsibility.

Here’s what’s changed

• Public service vehicle exemption
  Keepers of public service vehicles are no longer liable for littering offences if the litter was thrown by a passenger. This removes automatic penalties for operators where the offence was clearly outside their control.

• Corporate liability strengthened
  Where a littering offence is committed by a company, directors, managers or officers can now be held personally liable if the offence occurred with their consent, connivance or neglect. This brings litter enforcement in line with other regulatory regimes that emphasise senior accountability.

Fines confirmed
The corrigendum formally confirms penalty levels:

• £1,000 for dangerous litter
• £250 for standard littering offences

Evidence clarified
Certificates issued by the litter authority confirming whether a penalty has been paid are now deemed conclusive evidence in legal proceedings, streamlining enforcement and reducing scope for dispute.

What businesses should take from this

If you have a business vehicle or operate a fleet, you should review internal policies and signage, particularly where staff or customers travel in company vehicles.

Directors and senior managers should note the explicit extension of personal liability. The changes underline a wider regulatory trend toward clearer enforcement and individual responsibility.