Millions of drivers could be at risk of being slapped with hefty fines for littering as new data exposes the extent of the issue along roads across the UK.
Over a two-week operation, National Highways staff collected almost 8,000 bags of litter as part of a nationwide effort to clean motorways and A-roads.
The transport agency highlighted that this was the equivalent of around 65 tonnes of litter, or the same weight as 50 cars' worth of rubbish.
It also represents a 30 per cent increase in the amount of rubbish compared to the same period last year.
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|Motorists could be slapped with a £500 fine for littering
As part of the Great British Spring Clean, National Highways said it was working to improve the environment and protect wildlife around motorways and A-roads.
Alongside charity Keep Britain Tidy, National Highways staff volunteered to clear rubbish on their lunch breaks near offices and depots.
There has been a noted increase in rubbish that appears along major routes across England every summer, as more people travel around the country.
In the period from June to September last year, almost 340 billion miles were driven on motorways and A-roads in England alone.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|National Highways collected almost 8,000 bags of litter over a two-week period
With the increasing amount of rubbish on roadsides, drivers are being warned that they could face hefty fines if they are caught littering.
The Traffic Penalty Tribunal states that drivers can receive a penalty notice up to a maximum amount of £500.
Drivers can see their penalty charge slashed by 50 per cent if they pay within 14 days. If the offence occurs in London, the borough council can cut the charge by 40 per cent if paid within the timeframe.
Highway Code Rule 147 also states that drivers should be considerate of all types of road users, especially those requiring extra care.
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It adds: "You MUST NOT throw anything out of a vehicle; for example, food or food packaging, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags."
Rule 147 warns that this can endanger other road users, especially motorcycle riders and cyclists.
National Highways is now calling on people to "do the right thing" and put their rubbish in a bin, rather than littering on the roadside.
Freda Rashdi, head of customer journeys at National Highways, said the organisation had a "really simple" message, noting: "Don't litter.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS | National Highways staff consistently take part in litter clearing operations
"Clearing litter from our roads costs taxpayers millions of pounds so by disposing of litter responsibly, we can keep our roads safe and clear of rubbish and reduce the costs to the public.
"Putting your rubbish in the bin doesn’t just help drivers, but goes a long way to protecting the wildlife and the environment."
The RSPCA, along with National Highways, found that 20 per cent of drivers admitting to littering said they were doing so to feed wildlife.
Data shows that around three million animals die every year in the UK because of littering, with many being struck by vehicles after being attracted by discarded food.