We all have an important role to play in keeping our roads and roadsides litter free, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport Ken Skates has said.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
A month long anti-littering campaign using electronic signing on trunk roads across Wales has been in place to encourage road users to think wisely about disposing of waste.
A group of six workers can cost more than £1,000 a night to clear litter from a 2km stretch of trunk road and roadside, whilst the cost of a lane closure to do so is in excess of £2,600 a night.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Welsh Government is responsible for litter picking and debris removal on the M4, M48, A48(M) and the section between Llanddulas and Conwy Morfa on the A55. Local authorities are responsible for litter picking, debris removal and the provision and emptying of bins on the remaining trunk roads and local road network.
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said:
“Whilst the vast majority of people do the right thing and carry litter in their vehicles until they find a bin to dispose of it appropriately, there are unfortunately others that don’t.
“Littering on our roads can be costly and have far reaching implications, from impacting on our economy to blighting our environment and putting the safety of other motorists at risk. Frustratingly, it also means lane closures are required for litter picks which is something we all want to avoid seeing on our network unless absolutely necessary.
“We receive a number of complaints about litter on the road network and while we work closely with local authorities to coordinate litter picking activities, this is an issue where we all have an important role to play. I urge everyone to play their part and by working together towards the same goal we can help ensure our roads and roadsides are safer, tidier and litter free.”
Environment Minister Hannah Blythyn said:
“Disposing of litter responsibly helps keep our roads safe and clean. We support local authorities and organisations such as Keep Wales Tidy to help create a cleaner, more pleasant environment for us all to live in. But by simply taking litter home and recycling it or putting in the bin, we can all do our bit, not just for our environment, but also our economy.”