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UK Roads Choked by Growing Litter Problem
24 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Over half of AA members report increasing road litter.
- West Midlands cited as the UK's worst region for litter.
- AA urges more funding for litter enforcement and bins.
Roadside littering in the UK has escalated, according to a recent survey of 11,000 AA members. More than half of respondents observed an increase in rubbish on and around roads compared to previous surveys, indicating a growing concern. The West Midlands emerged as the region with the highest reported increase in litter.
The AA Charitable Trust is urging action, labeling the situation a 'wake-up call' and stressing the environmental damage and risks posed to road workers. They advocate for greater financial support for local authorities to enforce anti-littering laws and to improve waste disposal facilities, such as installing more prominent bins.
Campaigners echo these concerns, calling for a national emergency response that includes tougher enforcement, enhanced education, and a fundamental shift in public attitudes towards littering. The widespread discard of items, from common waste to more unusual objects, highlights the persistent nature of the problem across the country.
