Wirral Council has joined forces with Keep Britain Tidy to clampdown on littering motorists.

The council is supporting a national campaign to tackle drivers chucking rubbish from their vehicles.

The Highways Agency estimates that 700,000 bags of rubbish are collected from motorways and trunk roads every year.

Nearly a quarter of people (23%) admit to dropping litter from their vehicle, according to latest Keep Britain Tidy research.

A month-long campaign will see posters going up in and around Wirral which remind motorists of their responsibilities.

Director of technical services David Green said, “It's really important that residents and visitors realise that throwing rubbish on the streets is not acceptable.

"Cleaning up after the minority who drop litter costs the council around £4m per year; people should use the bins provided or take rubbish home with them.

"Any item dropped on the streets whether a crisp packet, cigarette or apple core is all litter and is punishable by a fixed penalty fine of £75.”

Phil Barton, Keep Britain Tidy chief executive, said: “Dropping litter from a car is disgusting and makes our roadsides look like a dumping ground.

"We want to encourage motorists and their passengers to take their litter home rather than hurling it on our roads.”