Drivers urged to help protect the Forest of Dean from litter
Residents and motorists are being asked to help protect the natural beauty of the Forest of Dean, as the district council highlights the growing problem of litter along roadsides and verges.
Several areas across the district are experiencing repeated problems with litter building up near roads, including food packaging, drink cans, cigarette ends and plastic bottles. The council says much of this waste is believed to be thrown from passing vehicles.
Cllr Andy Moore, Portfolio Holder for Waste and Recycling at Forest of Dean District Council, said:
“Litter is not only an eyesore - it poses a serious threat to wildlife, which can ingest it or become trapped and entangled in discarded items.
“Last year alone, the council collected around 200 tonnes of litter across our district - an effort that required an estimated 12,480 hours of work from paid street operatives and dedicated community volunteers.
“200 tonnes of litter don’t appear overnight. This will have been dropped, one or two pieces at a time, often from vehicles into a landscape as beautiful and valued as the Forest of Dean. It’s frustrating to think about what goes through someone’s mind in that moment. This is a place we are all lucky to have to enjoy, and one that deserves our care and respect.
“While we remain committed to clearing litter and keeping our streets and green spaces clean, preventing the litter in the first place is even more important.”
The council is reminding drivers that littering from a vehicle is an offence and can result in a £50 fixed penalty notice. In some cases, the registered keeper of the vehicle may be held liable, even if the litter was thrown by a passenger.
Residents who capture a littering offence on dashcam footage can submit it to the council and this may lead to enforcement action being taken against the vehicle’s registered keeper.
Footage can be emailed to [email protected]. When submitting evidence, residents should include the date, time and location of the incident.
Forest of Dean District Council is responsible for removing litter and fly-tips from public land and emptying litter bins. Residents can report overflowing litter bins, litter problems and fly-tips on the council’s website at: www.fdean.gov.uk/litter