Highways England Takes a Stand Against Motorway Litter Crisis
Litter on Britain’s motorways isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a serious safety hazard. Every year, around 200,000 bags of rubbish are cleared from our roads, posing risks to wildlife and the environment.
Great British September Clean: Time to Tackle Motorway Mess
Highways England is backing Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British September Clean campaign running from 11 to 27 September. Last year alone, 20,000 bags of litter were collected during the Great British Spring Clean on Highways England’s network.
“If litter wasn’t dropped in the first place, there’d be no need to pick it up. It’s unsightly, dangerous for wildlife, and threatens our workers’ safety. Plus, clearing it wastes time and cash that could improve roadways,” said Freda Rashdi, Highways England’s head of customer and operational requirements.
As well as supporting the September campaign with extra litter picks, Highways England is urging drivers to bin it properly and take their rubbish home.
Keep Britain Tidy Calls Out Reckless Littering
“Litter thrown from vehicles is a national disgrace,” said Richard McIlwain, Deputy Chief Executive at Keep Britain Tidy. “This rubbish wrecks vital wildlife corridors, strewing food packaging and millions of cigarette butts along our motorways.”
“Highways England’s involvement in the Great British September Clean is a crucial step to tackle one of Britain’s worst littering habits. Their cleanup work is costly, dangerous, and never-ending. We hope this campaign sparks a long-term partnership to stop dangerous roadside littering once and for all.”
Highways England will continue clearing litter all year round, but now, with fresh momentum from this national push, hopes to make Britain’s motorways cleaner and safer for everyone.
