24 tonnes of litter collected from South West roads in one year

24 tonnes of rubbish has been collected from motorways and A-roads across the South West in just one year.

That's according to National Highways who say that includes six thousand bags of litter and rubbish - as well as mattresses, electric cables and carpets.

The latest litter pick organised by the agency took place in February on the M5, where teams picked up 500 bags of litter. Officials are now increasing patrols and cameras at hotspots.

Andrew Gale, Service Delivery Manager for the South West, said: “It is infuriating to see how much litter has been tossed onto the roadside."

“Roadside rubbish isn’t just unsightly, it is a danger to the environment, wildlife and drivers using our roads. It’s also a hazard for the people who have to pick up litter from the roadside because of the few individuals who feel it is ok to make others clean up after them."

“Overall, the litter picture on our roads is improving from previous years, but we recognise more is still needed. That’s why it’s great that we have launched a new litter campaign to help raise awareness.”