Mark Pawsey has joined with Keep Britain Tidy to call on drivers and Highways England to do more to tackle the scourge of rubbish being thrown from cars.
This appalling habit, which is particularly prevalent near motorway junctions, is the target of Keep Britain Tidy’s campaign “Don’t be a Tosser.” The blunt campaign was launched in Parliament last week and coincides with a new fine of £100 for drivers who allow litter to be thrown from their vehicle, even by passengers. The maximum on the spot fine for littering will also increase from £80 to £150.
In 2017 the Government published the first ever National Litter Strategy for England, which set out ambitious and wide ranging measures to help protect the environment and reduce the amount of waste which blights the environment. This strategy has formed a key part of the Government’s ambition to leave the environment in a better state for the next generation.
Speaking after meeting with Keep Britain Tidy, Mark commented:
“There can be absolutely no excuse for people throwing litter from their cars. It is damaging to the environment, is a terrible eyesore around too many of our roads and junctions and costs the taxpayer millions of pounds a year to tidy up. Instead, drivers and car users should be encouraged to take their litter home with them, where it can be put into the appropriate bin for recycling wherever possible.”
Mark continued:
“I am pleased that Keep Britain Tidy are focusing on this issue, which I know is a real concern to many local residents. With Rugby situated at the crossroads of the motorway network, this regrettably means that some of the roads into the town, particularly at Junction 1 of the M6, are particularly problematic for littering. That is why I have written to the Chief Executive of Highways England to ask his organisation to do more to tidy up motorway junctions, particularly those near Rugby, and work with local authorities to crack down on those responsible for littering.”