Campaign tackles road waste

Verges strewn with litter are, sadly, a common sight on Britain's highways but a new campaign is targeting motorists, asking them to take responsibility for the waste they produce during their journey.


The Highways Agency has teamed up with the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) to ask drivers not to use the road side as a dustbin and to bag and bin their rubbish instead.

To this end, the organisations will be handing out branded bin bags at service stations the length and breadth of the country.

The Highways Agency says it is tackling litter as part of its commitment to the environment while Bill Bryson, travel writer and new president of the CPRE, has put the issue at the top of his agenda.

With many people out on the roads during the holiday season, litter can build up and may often block drains.

Not only is litter unsightly and a threat to the environment, but clearing rubbish from roadside verges and central reservations puts the workers at risk of injury from moving traffic and diverts resources away from road maintenance and repairs.

Highways Agency chief executive, Archie Robertson, said: “This unsightly and environmentally damaging problem is a big concern for us.

“Money spent on clearing litter thrown from vehicles could be better spent in reducing congestion and improving safety.

“Working on or next to fast moving traffic is a dangerous job. People are putting themselves at risk clearing the litter thrown from vehicles.

“We want all road users to think about the consequences of littering. Please keep your rubbish with you, pick up one of our bags, and dispose of it safely and sensibly when you reach your destination.”

David Gibbs

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