A former Transport Minister has criticised the maintenance of the country’s motorway network, labelling it a “national disgrace”.

The website Hemel Today reports that Hemel Hempstead MP Sir Mike Penning led a Westminster Hall debate on the issue of litter on motorways based on work he has completed with Clean Up Britain.

After working with the national charity, the MP, who served as roads minister in the Coalition government, is quoted as saying: “It is abundantly clear the problem is getting worse and it is, to be honest, a national embarrassment.”

He wants a specific top-level Key Performance Indicator for litter on National Highways established, support the development of AI software/cameras that can identify people who throw litter from vehicles an increase in fines for littering on motorways and the use of prisoners to help clear litter from motorways.

(Picture – Clean Up Britain)