As Dumfries and Galloway prepares for one of the busiest tourism seasons in a generation, Scotland TranServ is calling on local drivers to help make a good first impression on our visitors.
As part of its work to manage south west Scotland’s trunk roads network on behalf of Transport Scotland, our operatives collect the litter that drivers throw out of car windows or leave behind in laybys.
With Glasgow preparing to host the Commonwealth Games as part of the Year of Homecoming, and ahead of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Scotland TranServ is focussed on making a good first impression on drivers heading to these key events. Keith Brown, Minister for Transport said: “This is the year when Scotland welcomes the world and we want visitors to see the best that we have to offer across this Summer’s events.
“Debris at the side of the road can create the wrong impression so I am urging drivers to play their part and dispose of their litter responsibly.
“It costs a huge amount to clear-up our trunk roads and that is money that could be better spent on frontline maintenance.
“We are lucky enough to have world renowned scenery. So we should do our best to keep it that way and think twice about how we dispose of our rubbish.”
Across the south west network last year Scotland TranServ operatives alone collected
28 tonnes of litter, that’s the equivalent weight of nearly 4 double decker buses. We recycled 78% of that total and sent the remaining 22% to landfill. That’s vital funding which could have been invested to improve Scotland’s roads network.
Malcolm Shanks, Scotland TranServ’s Network Operations Manager added: “Across south west Scotland and particularly at the hub of the motorway network around Glasgow, we are amazed at the things that people think it is alright to dump at the side of our roads; ladders, tents, sofas and even the kitchen sink. Last year our teams alone collected 28 tonnes of rubbish along motorway verges and off our trunk roads. We’re playing our part to keep the network clean, and we’re calling on drivers to play theirs.”
Around the world Scotland is renowned for its stunning scenery and majestic beauty, however closer to home litter and fly-tipping is widely regarded as a problem. With the tourism economy valued at £494 million for Glasgow alone, it’s important our drivers play a part to support this vital industry.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland will play host to three momentous events, the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and the Year of Homecoming. This is the year we welcome the world, it is our chance to shine on the global stage so it is important that Scotland is looking its very best. This advice is a timely reminder that we can all play a part in ensuring that happens.”
Scotland TranServ is working with Zero Waste Scotland to raise awareness on the litter issue that blights Scotland’s roads.
Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland added: “We are working closely with Scotland Transerv and support this timely campaign to remind drivers that it’s illegal and a danger to other road users to litter or dump items by the roadside. Not only does this spoil Scotland’s beautiful landscape, we are also discarding items which could be recycled. Zero Waste Scotland calculates at least £78m per year is spent on tackling litter and fly-tipping, including indirect costs to the economy, in Scotland every year.”
Inspector David Carballo, Police Scotland Trunks Road Policing said: “Fly-tipping and littering on our roads is not only a criminal offence; it also diminishes the natural beauty of the landscape. It can also cause unnecessary delays for the travelling public as operatives are put at risk when at the roadside disposing of these hazards.”
Littering from vehicles is a major issue across Scotland. It is estimated that litter costs the Scottish economy over £50m each year in terms of clean up and prevention costs. This is money which could be far better spent on road and safety improvements.
Russell Rennie, Scotland TranServ’s Contract Director concluded: “We spend a lot of time and money dealing with litter on the Motorway Network. We want all drivers to play their part in keeping our verges neat and tidy, particularly in this Year of Homecoming and the Commonwealth Games. If they do so, we can use this money to invest it in further improvements to the motorway infrastructure. As we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors to Scotland, it’s important we all keep our country looking in tip-top condition, rather than relying on agencies to tidy up after us. Remember first impressions count.”
One partner. No competitors. Full visibility across the region.
