A 20 mile stretch of the A14 in Suffolk has been cleared of more than 250 bags of litter. The operation, conducted by highways contractor Triplex, took place between junctions 51 and 52, covering the Beacon Hill and Claydon Interchanges.

The waste collected, equivalent to the weight of a large white rhino at 2.3 tonnes, according to the East Anglian Daily Times, included the removal of car and lorry parts.

The team conducted the clean-up operation over four nights, taking advantage of planned National Highways road closures to minimise disruption and avoid additional lane closure costs.

The council confirmed the work was part of ongoing efforts in collaboration with National Highways, Suffolk County Council, and Suffolk Highways to coordinate further litter picking along the A14.

Authorities have expressed gratitude to volunteers who help keep their communities clean, but have urged people to only pick litter where it is safe, and not on fast roads.

The work often requires careful planning and lane closures to ensure the safety of those involved.

The public has been asked to report any instances of roadside littering, as authorities continue to push for cleaner roads.

(Picture: Mid-Suffolk District Council)