Shopping trolleys to go hi-tech to stop dumping

John Masanauskas
Herald Sun
June 04, 2012

COUNCILS are forcing supermarkets to fit shopping trolleys with special hi-tech sensors to stop them being dumped.

And retailers face fines for failing to retrieve abandoned trolleys within a given time.

While most councils prosecute people who dump trolleys, some are now also holding supermarkets accountable for the problem.

Boroondara Council has fines of up to $2500 for supermarkets that breach the new laws.

The council is demanding retailers fit trolleys with a device that stops them being taken outside a designated area.

Coles is testing a system at up to 30 stores where sensors force a computerised caster to lock the trolley wheel when it crosses a certain boundary.

Boroondara requires trolleys to carry a plate identifying retailers’ contact details.

A council report found there were growing safety concerns over abandoned shopping trolleys.

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