The Scottish Executive has announced they are planning to carry out a public consultation on plans to create specialist environmental courts, with the aim of improving the enforcement of environmental law. The proposals have been welcomed by environmentalists, and could see fines imposed without a case going to court. The consultation will focus on issues such as pollution, waste and wildlife crime and will examine how training for enforcement authorities could be improved and whether public participation could be increased.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said, "I want to reduce environmental crime in Scotland and enforcement is an essential part of securing environmental and wildlife protection." Even though some changes have already been brought in, such as doubling fines for some offences and creating a network of environmental specialists in the Crown Office and procurator fiscal service, it is hoped the proposals will do more to strengthen the enforcement of what is a wide-ranging and complex area.
Chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said, "The Scottish legal system, for all its strengths, is neither effective nor equitable when it comes to environmental protection. Other countries already have environmental courts or tribunals in place, so it is certainly worth looking at whether Scotland's environment and public would benefit from something similar."
