Environment Agency targets car washes

• New guidelines published
• Fines of up to £20,000 possible
• Poor drainage can put wildlife at risk

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Car washes are the latest aspect of motoring to come under the environmental spotlight.

The Environment Agency has today published new guidelines for England and Wales to reduce waste water entering the country's rivers.

The guidelines cover all methods of vehicle cleaning, from automatic car washes to hand washes, and the use of high-pressure or steam cleaners.

The Environment Agency's pollution prevention advisor, Teresa Brown, said: 'Run-off from washing vehicles, particularly on a commercial scale, contributes to widespread pollution that puts our wildlife at risk.

'If you discharge trade effluent - such as water contaminated with oil, detergents or sludge - into the environment or into drains without permission, you are breaking the law.

'With the rising popularity of car-washing businesses in retail and industrial premises - such as supermarket car parks and former filling stations - the risk that run-off will flow into storm drains and pollute rivers is higher than ever.'

Penalties for breaking the law on trade effluent include fines up to £20,000 and/or up to three months in prison.