Litter Hurts, costs money and lives - Columbus Ga-Fort Benning

Major Julius Graham of the Columbus Police Department stated, "we will be more vigilant and in a zero tolerance mode as far as littering is concerned". This announcement went out as local officials met with community leaders to inform them of a state wide anti littering campaign. Increased fines for paper, bottles and other trash flying from your vehicle can cost you dearly. Please be aware of your surroundings keep you eyes on the road and be advised that all law enforcement officers everywhere will be looking for violators.

Litter violations are not necessarily limited to drivers and passengers. It is against Georgia law to haul an unsecured load. Debris or materials from pick up trucks or larger vehicles will be subject to the same scrutiny. Even if your litter is unintentional it will result in severe fines. In recent years the Georgia Department of Transportation has spent as much as 14 million dollars per year to pick up litter and debris from Georgia Highways.

This anti litter campaign is designed to save lives. Recent reports of drivers being injured or even killed on the roads because of flying debris, construction materials or tires and tire parts has prompted local leaders to set up a 311 phone line to report dangerous debris or litter. I personally have seen chest of drawers, grills, lawn chairs and wheelbarrows flying from pick ups. These items may be no danger sitting on the side of the road, but when traffic is moving at nearly 70 miles an hour even the smallest items can be a major threat.

The perception of a neighborhood lined with litter is a lack of interest and pride and before you know it nobody want to live there. It is fair to assume that these neighborhoods will lose property value. All you homeowners fussing with local officials about litter along your right of ways, get out there and pick it up. It is costing you money if you don't. I know it's a shame the county can't do it, but it is affecting your pocket book. Muscogee county does have responsible city workers that are doing a fantastic job. The counties I was referring to are our neighbors in Alabama, Lee County get a pick up litter day PLEASE.