Transport Scotland and its South East Scotland operating company, BEAR Scotland, have announced a six-month pilot scheme using AI software to target littering, which could see fines handed out to litterbugs from April next year.

While it is currently not possible to fine people for littering using the system, Transport Scotland told the Scotsman newspaper that drivers tracked by the AI cameras could be subject to fines following an upcoming consultation on the issue.

Transport Scotland spokesperson said: 'We are only using LitterCam AI to measure the prevalence of roadside littering. The regulations for fining the registered keepers of vehicles for litter being thrown from a vehicle have yet to be enacted.

'They are expected to go out for consultation this month and potentially come into force in April, depending upon the Parliamentary timetable. Fine levels will be considered as part of that process.'

From mid-September, LitterCam is set to be deployed on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass and the A1 to record drivers or their passengers who throw litter from vehicles.

The cameras use AI software to help detect any litter being thrown from a vehicle.

In the last 12 months, BEAR said it has collected 3,018 bags of litter, equating to over 15 tonnes, on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland SE network manager, says: 'Scotland is renowned for its natural beauty, yet the amount of litter discarded on these major routes is an eyesore and an embarrassment. Littering is against the law. This trial uses the latest technology to record incidents of littering. It is hoped the project will prompt people to think twice about committing this anti-social behaviour.

'Working on high-speed roads comes with risk but the risks during litter picking could be completely avoided if drivers/passengers took litter home. The resources invested in picking litter could be ploughed into other tasks that contribute to keeping these strategic routes safe and reliable for the people of Scotland.'

Andrew Kemp, chief executive of Litter Cam, said: 'On projects we've worked on elsewhere we've seen a 40% reduction in verge side litter. We are confident that working with Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland will help tackle the blight of litter on these strategic routes.'

Heather McLaughlin, campaigns manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: 'There's no debate about the impact roadside litter is having on our country: 90% of people believe it's an issue.

'As the lead delivery partner on roadside litter for the government's National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, we're pleased to support BEAR's continued efforts to tackle this issue.'