Plans would see fines for environmental pollution upped to £40,000

A proposal to fine those who pollute the environment up to £40,000 has been opened up to public scrutiny.

Views are being sought on the Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Bill, which includes new regulations to protect the environment.

The Bill would allow the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) to set variable penalties of up to £40,000 for environmental offences, such as carrying waste without a registration or carrying out engineering works in water without authorisation.