WE can always tell when we approach Oxford – one of the great cities of the UK.

The litter on the A34 and A418 and on all the roundabouts and junctions around Oxford is truly awful and I believe the worst in the UK. There appears to be no pride in the surroundings and many cities in the North and West are substantially better.

The litter on the verges and lay-bys is rarely, if ever, picked up and what you witness is months or years of careless disposal.

The litter encourages a sense that it doesn’t matter.

Today’s letters

Bins in lay-bys do not help as they are not emptied often enough and are overflowing.

Open back vehicles accidentally drop polythene and other items. A requirement for all vehicles that are open to have nets would prevent this.

Strict fines should be implemented on the culprits who do it deliberately and on a daily basis, which is apparent by the same chip container and fizzy drink container on the same country road no matter how often one removes it.

The right to have a car carries responsibilities and one of them is to dispose of any litter in a bin and not on the road side. Fines and points on your license would give a real incentive.

Possible fines imposed on the suppliers of take- away food should be considered or a yearly charge on all takeaway venues to pay for the clear up. Petrol stations who benefit from the trade are some of the worst culprits. Have a look around any garage forecourt.

Richard Blandy, Shabbington, Aylesbury, Bucks

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