Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 10 February 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it takes to ensure that Transport Scotland and operating companies across the trunk-road network adequately address local concerns regarding litter and fly-tipping, both generally and with particular reference to the A75.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities in Scotland have a statutory duty to clear litter from all verges and roads, including trunk roads such as the A75. Transport Scotland, through its trunk road Operating Companies, is responsible for clearing litter from motorways and special roads.
Transport Scotland and its Operating Companies regularly meet with local authority officials to discuss trunk road related matters. The trunk road network is inspected on a weekly basis and where littering and litter collection is identified as an issue – or where complaints are received by members of the public – our Operating Companies report these to the appropriate local authority for their attention. If the issue relates to litter on a motorway or special road, the operating company actions the appropriate response.
To ensure our Operating Company contracts deliver value for money, Transport Scotland has in place the Performance Audit Group who audit, monitor and report on the financial, technical and performance aspects of the Operating Companies to ensure standards are being met.