Survey Reveals Rising Concern Over Roadside Litter Across the UK

A growing number of people believe the UK’s roadsides are becoming increasingly littered, according to a new survey from the AA.

More than half of the 11,000 members questioned (55%) said they had noticed more rubbish along roads and nearby areas compared with previous years. This is a slight increase from the 52% who expressed the same view in May 2023.

Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust, said the findings should serve as a “wake-up call”, urging that the UK must take stronger action to address the issue.

Which Regions Are Worst Affected?

The poll, carried out by research company Yonder last month, highlighted significant regional differences. The West Midlands ranked as the area where the problem appears to be growing the fastest, with 63% of respondents reporting more litter. Other areas showing high concern included:

• North East: 58%

• Eastern England: 57%

• Yorkshire and Humberside: 57%

At the other end of the scale, Northern Ireland had the lowest share of respondents seeing an increase, at 49%.

Calls for Funding and Better Infrastructure

The AA is urging central government to give councils more resources to enforce penalties against people who drop litter from vehicles and to boost clean-up capacity. The organisation also argues that improved roadside facilities—such as larger, more visible bins at lay-bys and service stations—would encourage drivers to dispose of waste properly.

Mr King criticised those who discard rubbish from their cars, saying the behaviour harms the environment, costs taxpayers millions, and exposes road workers to unnecessary danger.“The rise in public concern shows that people are fed up with the state of our roadsides,” he added.

Campaigners Warn of Environmental Harm

John Read, who founded the Clean Up Britain campaign, said the survey results reflect what many communities see daily.“Litter is getting worse, and it’s undermining both our environment and our neighbourhoods,” he said. “We need to treat this as a national crisis, with tougher enforcement, better public awareness and a real cultural shift in attitudes.”