Governor Pat McCrory joined Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry and North Carolina State Highway Patrol Colonel Bill Grey today to kick off a new statewide anti-litter campaign: Litter Free NC. The purpose of the campaign is to reduce the amount of litter in our state by educating the public about its harmful effects on public safety, wildlife and the environment.
“North Carolina has one of the most beautiful, diverse landscapes in the nation,” Governor Pat McCrory said. “From the mountains to the coast, we take pride in the health and beauty of our state. Litter Free NC is not only going to help us preserve North Carolina’s natural beauty, but also prevent hazards that pose a risk to travelers, wildlife and their habitats."
Litter is a public safety hazard and an eyesore. It puts motorists at risk, harms wildlife and their habitats, and pollutes the environment. Millions of taxpayer dollars are spent each year to pick up and remove roadside litter. The North Carolina Department of Transportation spent more than $16 million in taxes to pick up and remove approximately seven million pounds of roadside litter in 2013.
“Litter Free NC will combine education and enforcement efforts to reduce the amount of litter in North Carolina,” Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry said. “People may think litter is a victimless crime, but it impacts people’s safety and well-being, the state’s budget, and shows disregard and indifference to the environment and the North Carolina we call home. Millions of tax dollars are used every year for clean-up. Please join us in spreading the word about Litter Free NC, because a clean state is a safer state.”
Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the State Highway Patrol, spoke about the patrol’s litter enforcement program and the dangers litter presents to motorists. In 2013, the State Highway Patrol cited 497 drivers for littering and 545 drives for unsecured loads. Through the Litter Free NC program, motorists will be able to dial *HP on a cellular phone to report littering and unsecured loads.
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Contact: Pamela Walker
Phone: 919-733-5027