More Than 50% Of Drivers Believe Litter Is Worsening

A new survey by The AA has found that littering on the UK’s roads is continuing to worsen, with 55% of the over 11,000 drivers surveyed saying they have noticed an increase in rubbish along roadsides and nearby areas. This marks a rise from May 2024, when 52% reported the same issue. In Scotland, half of the respondents said the problem had gotten worse, placing the nation slightly below the UK average and suggesting that some regions may be making progress.

Public backing also remains strong for holding the registered keeper of a vehicle responsible when rubbish is thrown from it, even if they were not driving or present at the time. This approach, introduced in February 2022, continues to receive majority support, though backing has dipped slightly. In 2025, 51% agreed the measure was reasonable, compared with 54% a year earlier, while 23% strongly agreed in both years. Those disagreeing rose from 34% to 37%. Scottish opinion is similar, with 52% in favour and 37% against.

The perception that litter is becoming more common is widespread across the UK. Only 6% of respondents in both years felt the amount of rubbish had decreased, while fewer people now believe the situation is unchanged, falling from 39% in 2024 to 36% in 2025. Concern is highest among older drivers, particularly in the West Midlands, where 63% said they had noticed more litter, followed by 58% in the Northeast and 57% in both Eastern England and Yorkshire/Humberside.

This rising concern persists despite the efforts of councils, environmental charities and national campaigns. While these initiatives remain important, the public’s experience suggests they have not yet been sufficient to curb the problem.

Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: “There is no excuse for car litter louts and it's time to resolve the litter problem once and for all. Tossing rubbish from vehicles spoils the environment, costs millions and puts road workers’ lives at risk when they must clear up. It is not difficult for car occupants to bag it and bin it. It is astonishing the number of plastic bottles, take-away wrappers and even kitchen sinks discarded at the roadside.

The rise in public concern about roadside litter is a wake-up call. The fact that most drivers support holding vehicle owners accountable shows there is a public appetite for councils to enforce the rules more effectively. However, we must also ensure that councils have the resources and technology to apply these powers fairly and effectively. We need a national effort - combining education, enforcement, and corporate responsibility - to tackle what is fast becoming a roadside litter epidemic.”