New powers to help local authorities take action against littering motorists have been put on hold, after the changes in legislation needed were made to the wrong law.

A trial in London, which would have paved the way for a national policy, has been abandoned as a result. It would have enabled councils to use evidence collected from CCTV footage and by traffic wardens to fine motorists who throw litter out of vehicles.

But changes to the Environmental Protection Act, which were required to give councils extra powers, were made to an outdated version of the legislation, and so the Bill could not pass through Parliament.

The Local Government Association is calling for the loophole to be closed so irresponsible motorists cannot evade punishment.

Cllr Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA environment board, said: ‘At a time when councils are coming under increasing pressure to deal with littering, some of the current legislation is a mire of confusion.

‘Registered keepers of vehicles can be prosecuted for speeding unless details of the offender are given, so why not for littering? As the law stands, local authorities are effectively charged with tackling this anti-social behaviour with their hands tied behind their backs. Simple changes to the existing law would close the loopholes currently causing such confusion and inconsistency.’