 High-pressure equipment is used to clean the gum |
Perth Council is being urged to lobby for a chewing gum tax to help local authorities foot the bill of cleaning up the mess left on streets. Scottish National Party Councillor Ken Lyall is to put forward a proposal asking the council to throw its weight behind a tax campaign.
He said the aim of the levy would be to fund equipment and staff to clean up the "disgusting mess" on the ground.
Councils in Aberdeen and the Borders have already approved similar motions.
Councillor Lyall said: "Like many people I am disgusted by the mess left by thoughtless people spitting out their chewing gum on our pavements, footpaths and roads.
"The question is, what can councils do to encourage the considerate disposal of gum, and what can be done to clean up the mess left?
"My motion calls on Chancellor Gordon Brown to introduce a levy on the chewing gum manufacturers, so that for every packet of chewing gum bought a couple of pence is taken in the form of a levy."
He added: "This motion is similar to ones passed by Aberdeen City and the Scottish Borders councils, and would also offer support for them. It is also the case that in Ireland, they have decided to introduce a litter levy, part of which is the same as above."
If passed, the motion would see the council write to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, MPs and MSPs, and First Minister Jack McConnell to request their support for the tax.
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