DRIVERS in the New Forest will be fined £80 if litter is thrown out of their vehicle.

Due to the problem of identifying which person committed the offence, the penalty notice will be sent to the owner of the car, van or lorry involved.

However, enforcement officers will need "sufficient evidence" to interrogate the DVLA database to identify the keeper/owner of any vehicle guilty of littering.

A working group consisting of officers from New Forest District Council, the Forestry Commission, National Park Authority, Verderers of the New Forest and Hampshire County Council is also proposed to assess the implementation of the new penalties.

The regulations have been backed by two senior council members, who are both part of New Forest District Council's cabinet.

Councillor Alison Hoare, portfolio holder for environment and regulatory services, said: "I fully support the new powers to fine the registered keeper of any vehicle from which litter has been thrown.

"It is an important extra tool in our fight against littering and we will work with our partners to prevent and catch those who throw litter from their vehicles."

Councillor Diane Andrews, portfolio holder for community affairs, said: "As principal litter authority this new Regulation is a welcome resource in tackling littering from vehicles.

"I support the use of the new powers in the Forest and will welcome their early implementation."