A closed circuit TV camera has been deployed to crack down on litterbugs who are plaguing a suburban car park as part of a new pilot scheme to trap those who throw items from vehicles.

The state-of-the-art device has been installed at the Ash Street parking lot in Bastwell, Blackburn, in a bid to clear up the fly-tipping and rubbish hot spot.

Offenders caught on CCTV could face a fine of up to £150.

The camera – provided by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Envirocrime team – captures any vehicle coming into the car park,

It will be complemented by a new ‘litter from vehicles’ pilot project being operated by the borough's protection and environment health team.

Under the scheme, if there is evidence to show that litter was thrown from a vehicle, the registered keeper will receive a fine regardless of who actually committed the littering.

Bastwell and Daisyfield ward's Cllr Shaukat Hussain, who is also Assistant Executive Member for Environment, has welcomed the new CCTV camera aimed at deterring would-be litterers and fly-tippers.

He said: "We have had a problem with anti-social behaviour in this area for some time now: particularly with littering and particularly with littering from vehicles.

"There are many community groups who conduct regular litter picks because they simply wish to live in a clean environment.

"We have tried to educate people, including distributing leaflets locally, and we have many local businesses on board with us.

"I think these cameras will help deter those culprits littering, be it from vehicles or otherwise.

"This behaviour has blighted the Ash Street car park area of Bastwell for too long.

"Those that aren’t deterred by the cameras can be assured that they are simply not a gimmick.

"Any recorded evidence of anti-social behaviour, including littering and, fly-tipping will be followed up by the council using powers that the law offers, including a fine of up to £150 or ultimately even prosecution."