Litter louts who trash Renfrewshire’s roadsides by throwing rubbish out their car windows could soon be caught in the act, as council bosses consider using artificial intelligence to snare offenders.

Conservative councillor James MacLaren has urged the local authority to produce a report on using new software called LitterCam, which could see fines issued to drivers who throw items onto carriageways.

LitterCam captures and scans video footage and photographic evidence of the guilty drivers’ number plates and can pick up items as small as an apple core or cigarette butt.

The evidence is then sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, which will inform the council of the motorist’s details before the offender is issued with a hefty penalty in the post.

At a meeting of Renfrewshire’s environment board, Councillor MacLaren garnered support from colleagues for his idea and officers will now look at whether it would be plausible to start using the software across the area.

“Far too many of our communities in Renfrewshire are continually spoiled by those who think it is okay to drop litter out of their vehicles,” said Councillor MacLaren, who represents Bishopton and Bridge of Weir.

“We need to clamp down on this unacceptable behaviour and I was immediately attracted by the idea of a LitterCam when I saw it being used elsewhere.

“I am pleased my proposal of exploring a LitterCam has been accepted by fellow councillors and this represents a significant step in tackling litter which blights our communities.”

The scheme is currently being trialled for the first time in the UK by Maidstone Council, in Kent.

If it was put into action in Renfrewshire, culprits who are captured on camera would be issued with an initial fine of £90 and this would increase to £120 if left unpaid for 15 days.

Councillor MacLaren added: “I hope this report can be progressed as quickly as possible, so this strong deterrent on littering can be introduced across Renfrewshire.”