Offenders' details will go on show outside the town hall

The council plans to put up "wanted" posters showing the offenders' vehicle make, model, colour and registration.

The posters are to go on show on the council's website and in front of Manchester Town Hall.

Councillor Mavis Smitheman, deputy executive member for district services, said: "We have a zero tolerance approach to litter louts."

He added: "We want to stamp out environmental crimes once and for all and will not hesitate to name and shame those that continue to offend.

"Most drivers respect their environment and take their litter home. Those who don't need to be shown the error of their ways."

Manchester City Council is the first local authority to tackle litter in this way.

Members of the public are to be encouraged to report these environmental offenders who, once identified, could be fined.

Director of Operations, Peter North, said the Environmental Protection Act meant the council could prosecute litter droppers.

"We have checked with our lawyers and will only be naming and shaming those people we are sure about, and we'll be very careful we don't get it wrong," he added.