Litter on UK motorways is a major hazard – for drivers, wildlife, and the environment. Each year, around 200,000 bags of rubbish are hauled from our roads. That’s why Highways England is backing Keep Britain Tidy’s latest campaign to stop the filth in its tracks.
Highways England Joins the Fight Against Litter
Last year alone, 20,000 bags of litter were cleared during the Great British Spring Clean. This September, Highways England is stepping up its efforts for the Great British September Clean running from 11 to 27 September, urging drivers to bin it – not chuck it.
Freda Rashdi, Highways England’s head of customer and operational requirements, said:
“If litter wasn’t dropped in the first place, we wouldn’t have to pick it up. It’s not just ugly and harmful to wildlife—it’s dangerous for our workers who clear it, and wastes valuable time and money that could improve our roads.”
“Litter is a national problem. We support the Great British September Clean with extra litter picks and a clear message: take your rubbish home.”
A National Disgrace and Danger on the Roads
Keep Britain Tidy’s Deputy Chief Executive, Richard McIlwain, slammed careless drivers for turning our roadways into dumping grounds.
“Rubbish thrown from vehicles is a national disgrace,” he said. “It’s not just an eyesore, it’s lethal for wildlife living along our motorway corridors, which are being smothered in food wrappers and millions of cigarette butts.”
“We welcome Highways England’s involvement in this year’s campaign. Clearing this mess is costly, puts workers at risk, and seems endless. This campaign must be a launchpad for a long-term fight to stop littering from vehicles once and for all.”
Keeping Britain’s Motorways Safe and Clean
- 200,000 bags of litter cleared from roads every year
- Highways England runs litter picks all year round
- Great British September Clean takes place 11–27 September
- Campaign aims to end rubbish thrown from vehicles
Keep your eyes peeled and your rubbish in the bin. The battle against motorway litter isn’t over yet.
