Roadside Litter: More Than Just an Eyesore
Roadside litter isn’t just unsightly—it puts lives at risk. Every year, roadworkers from BEAR Scotland and Amey are deployed to remove litter from the Trunk Road Network. But despite their efforts, the problem persists.
That’s why Traffic Scotland is launching a campaign to tackle this harmful and unnecessary blight on our roads.
Keep Scotland Beautiful work tirelessly to raise awareness and encourage behavioural change. They report that:
“More than nine in ten of us believe litter on our roadsides creates a negative impression of our country, and 88% consider roadside litter a problem—up from 69% in 2016.” (more info here).
At Traffic Scotland, we’re responsible for delivering key travel information across the Trunk Road Network. We work alongside Road Operating Companies, Transport Scotland, the Met Office, and others to keep Scotland moving safely and efficiently.
But roadside litter threatens more than just our environment and scenic views—it directly impacts roadworker safety. Collecting litter often requires lane closures, leading to avoidable congestion and delays.
So, we ask: Why are some road users still throwing rubbish out of their vehicle’s windows?
According to Keep Scotland Beautiful, this behaviour comes down to individual choices—drivers and passengers prioritising a clean car over the safety of others and the beauty of our countryside.
It may feel like a small act, but the consequences are significant.
Do your part. It’s simple: Give your litter a lift—take it home!
Let’s work together to protect our workers, preserve our landscapes, and keep Scotland’s roadsides clean and beautiful.
