Posted by Debra Worley - email
Writing contributed by WECT Intern Michelle Peck
RALEIGH, NC (WECT) - The NC Department of Transportation continues to see and increase of roadside littering through their Swat-A-Litterbug program and is encouraging drivers to report any littering offense they witness.
There have been more than 5,100 littering reports so far this year, which is 2,000 more than the same time period in 2008.
"The Swat-A-Litterbug program aims to educate motorists who fail to secure their loads or intentionally dispose of unwanted trash onto the state's roadways, while also promoting the state's efforts of reducing roadside litter," said Transportation Secretary Gene Conti in a statement.
Motorists seen littering are sent a letter signed by the colonel of the State Highway Patrol which notifies the recipient that littering is illegal and a fineable offense.
Fines and penalties for littering can include: $250-$2,000 fine, a point on the driver's licence, and required community service work.
Information required to make an official littering report must include:
- vehicle's license plate number
- date and time of incident
- street name, city, and county
- type of littering observed
A littering report can be submitted by visiting www.ncdot.gov/~beautification or calling 1-877-DOT-4YOU.
Mail-in Swat-A-Litterbug cards can be obtained by calling the Office of Beautification Programs at 1-800-331-5864.
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