A COUNCIL yesterday took action to stop motorists throwing their rubbish into the streets.

"We're getting sick and tired of irresponsible behaviour by some motorists who seem to think the borough is nothing more than a huge litter bin," said Redcar and Cleveland borough councillor Barbara Harpham.

The first 12-hour crackdown, in a joint offensive by the council and the police, was due to start at 3pm yesterday.

Cleveland Police targeted four main routes through East Cleveland - the A174, the A1985 trunk road, and the B1267 at Guisborough.

Surveillance was to be carried out by the council's team of community safety wardens, supported by mobile cameras to provide the necessary evidence.

Any motorist, or their passengers, seen throwing litter out of the car was to be stopped by a police patrol and community wardens were to issue the fixed penalty fine of £50.

Coun Harpham, cabinet member for environmental improvement, said: "We've never done this before, but it's time we did.

"There are a series of initiatives being carried out across the borough, all designed to make a difference.

"We are proud of the efforts carried out by our own workforce, but they're being undermined by environment vandals.

"And I can assure everyone that this exercise will be repeated on a regular basis."

Supt Dee Collins, operations manager for the police district, said: "Litter is an anti-social offence which not only causes environmental concerns but also affects local communities. We are supporting this initiative and wish to encourage motorists to dispose of litter considerately and safely."