The French throw their waste on the highway

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When he cleanses the aisles of the highways, a few minutes are enough for this agent to make his bag filled. There is a trash can every ten minutes on the highways. However, according to a study, one in five French people acknowledges having already thrown his waste through the window. So, we looked for these gender-free motorists, but we didn’t really find it.

“An apple core, possibly. It is biodegradable, so it’s less disturbing,” admits a driver. “”When I was younger, yes, without a doubt, I was less careful. But there, it is sure not“, Ensures a motorist.”Never, not at all. This is really something that I can’t stand“Says another.

Less frequent behavior in recent years. But according to the study, many French people still underestimate the consequences. Polluted roadside and a danger for other users. “”This waste can generate accidents from other drivers who will receive this waste on their windshield. And then, it also presents a risk for the motorway staff who will have to go and pick up this waste, when it is not its primary mission“, Analysis Bernadette Moreau, general delegate of the Vinci Autoroutes Foundation.

On the departmental also, waste accumulates. With awareness panels, the Ardèche department thought it had found an effective response, without much success. “”We found a tarot game. There is more waste than tickets. Unfortunately, there is what it takes“, Accuses a maintenance agent.

In summer, attendance on this axis increases. These agents could perform daily cleaning. “”It’s annoying. When we see that everyone at home we make efforts … We must not get upset sometimes“Says Joël Dufaud, maintenance agent on the roads.

Unlike private highways, the collection weighs heavily on the budget of the department. “”To encrypt, two agents, plus equipment, fuel, recycling center, we can count about 400 euros per day“, estimates Daniel Vallée, road maintenance manager. Getting rid of this waste by the window is liable to a fine of 135 euros. Perhaps more dissuasive, half of the parents have already been reprimanded by their child.

Vinci Autoroutes Foundation : 11th edition of the summer survey carried out by Ipsos on how the French manages their waste on the holiday route.

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