00:00A nationwide campaign to tackle litter on major roads is underway as new research highlights
00:06the scale of the problem across England. National Highways says more than 22% of people
00:11admit to littering on motorways and A-roads a rise from 13% previously.
00:16The organisation also reports that more than half of those surveyed were unaware that rubbish
00:22on roads can lead to delays while it's cleared, and around 35% had not considered the potential
00:27harm to wildlife.
00:28The RSPCA estimates that nearly 3 million animals are killed each year due to littering.
00:35In Leeds, a community action day at Hunsletmore Park saw council teams, volunteers and local
00:40groups come together to collect waste and improve the area.
00:45Items commonly found include bottles, food packaging and other discarded materials, some
00:50of which pose risks to people and animals.
00:54National Highways says litter clearance costs millions of pounds annually and can require
00:59lane closures affecting journeys. It's urging drivers to take rubbish home or use bins provided
01:06at service areas as part of wider efforts linked to the Great British Spring Clean. Partners say
01:12action between agencies and communities is essential to reduce litter levels and maintain cleaner roadsides.
01:20Last year, almost 8,000 bags of litter were collected by National Highways as part of the nationwide
01:27campaign.
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