Plans have been unveiled for a compulsory charge to customers in Wales who use plastic shopping bags

Plans have been unveiled for a compulsory charge to customers in Wales who use plastic shopping bags.

Wales's Environment Minister said the compulsory charge - the first of its kind in the UK - would be introduced by 2011.

Jane Davidson told the Welsh Assembly that a charge on single-use carrier bags would come into force by early 2011, before the next election.

The Labour AM said: "I have long said that carrier bags represent a waste of resources and they are an iconic symbol of the throwaway society we now seem to live in."

Ms Davidson said the existing voluntary scheme in which shops charge for shopping bags does not go far enough and more action is needed. Seven retailers, including Ikea and Marks & Spencer are signed up, she said.

The minister added: "We are behind the game when you look at what other countries have achieved with stronger action.

"In simple terms, the evidence shows that introducing a charge works."

Ms Davidson's announcement was backed by shadow environment minister Angela Burns. The Conservative AM said: "Measures such as this are important in changing consumer behaviour, reducing litter and improving the environment."

The British Retail Consortium has warned against the move, saying shops have already made progress without the need for legislation.

The watchdog Consumer Focus Wales said shoppers will need to see where the money raised by a statutory charge is being spent.