Welsh tax drives fall in plastic bag use

New figures indicate that the Welsh government's tax on plastic bags has driven a fall in their usage.

A study published by Cardiff University that looked into the effect of the charge showed that the number of shoppers utilising their own bags on their most recent visit to the supermarket showed a marked improvement.

Similarly, support for the scheme was bolstered following its launch, rising to 70 per cent, while opposition fell to 17 per cent.

The researchers obtained data from a range of retailers, including the likes of Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's and McDonalds.

Commenting on the report's wider UK figures, the British Retail Consortium's head of environment Bob Gordon claimed the number of bags in use signified a change in retail spending habits.

"The on-going squeeze on people's disposable incomes means families are increasingly doing several smaller grocery shops during the week rather than one big trip," said the organisation.