LNP crackdown on drivers tossing cigarettes

Motorists caught tossing lit cigarettes from vehicles will face harsher penalties, under a future LNP Government.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the current penalty under the Palaszczuk Labor Government of $533 for dangerous littering doesn’t go far enough compared to other states like New South Wales, where fines range up to $11000 and ten demerit points during a total fire ban.

“Thoughtlessly tossing a cigarette butt out of a car window can end up causing a natural disaster,” Ms Frecklington said.

“It was a discarded cigarette that started the bushfire which destroyed the Binna Burra lodge and 11 other homes last year.

“This behavior must be stamped out because Queensland can’t risk more bushfires like Binna Burra.

“The LNP will do all it can to fight bushfires and that includes considering much tougher penalties for throwing cigarettes from vehicles.

“The LNP will consult with the community on introducing demerit penalty points for drivers and doubling all penalties during total fire bans.

“There is no excuse for endangering lives and homes and the law should reflect that.”