The junction comes fifth in the list, compiled by campaign group Clean for the Queen.
The Copdock Interchange has been ranked as one of the worst places in the UK for litter – by members of the public.
The major junction, on the southern outskirts of Ipswich, comes fifth in a list of the country’s ‘grotspots’, compiled by litter campaigners Clean for the Queen.
Chosen from hundreds of entries submitted by the public, the top 12 include riverbanks, verges, suburban roads, laybys and beaches.
Clean for the Queen director Adrian Evans said: “The dirty dozen all share a common theme – they are local eyesores. Rubbish has been dumped by people who can’t be bothered to dispose of it responsibly – bottles, cans, wrappers and bags.
“We have chosen these grotspots to highlight just how bad the litter problem is and also to emphasise that everyone can make a difference to their local area by not littering.”
Washbrook resident Heather Clarke claims the route, from Copdock village to Tesco via the A14 underpass, is “strewn” with rubbish.
“The whole area is terrible, particularly around the shops and supermarkets,” she said.
“The pathways and shrubs are strewn with masses of litter.”
But South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge said he feels visitors passing through the junction are at fault.
“Obviously this is a concern. My feeling, generally, is that people should take responsibility for their litter and look after the environment they pass through,” he said.
“I do believe that this is a transient problem. The people of South Suffolk look after the area and I strongly feel that people passing through the interchange, travelling through Ipswich either for business or pleasure, are the source of the problem.”
Mr Cartlidge said several of his constituents are taking part in the Clean the Queen litter pick in March.
“I think that simple fact shows this isn’t a problem caused by the residents themselves, but by transient users of the interchange,” he said.
“As a community we actively engage in activities that improve the environment, organising litter picks and protecting nature in that way.
“I would urge people to think more carefully about where they leave their litter because it can be particularly damaging to the county’s wildlife. People need to bin it – or face the environmental consequences.”
The junction, which is home to businesses like Burger King, Tesco and Pizza Hut, is used by hundreds of commuters, hauliers and residents every day.
David Busby, Liberal Democrat councillor for Pinewood, thinks the area’s litter problem is emphasised during the winter.
“When the trees are bare you are able to see more rubbish lying about and I think that’s why more people have complained. It’s not a place that’s accessible to the general public so I will be urging the Highways Agency to do something about the situation as it is primarily their responsibility,” he said.
“We are trying to do all we can within our physical abilities – it’s a health and safety risk to try and take litter pickers along the actual junction.”
Clean for the Queen is hosting a ‘clean-up’ weekend from 4-6 March, where it aims to make Britain litter-free in time for the Queen’s 90th birthday.
The UK’s ‘dirty dozen’
1. Arthurs Hill and the Wingrove Terraces, Newcastle
2. Mill Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire
3. Tickencote lay-by, Rutland
4. Canal bank, Northbrook Street, Brimingham
5. Copdock Interchange, southern outskirts of Ipswich
6. Back lane of Clive Street, Cardiff
7. Black Swamp, River Avon, Chippenham, Wiltishire
8. Queen Caroline’s drawdock, Hammersmith Bridge, West London
9. Church Lane, Tooting, South London
10. South Road, Erith
11. Grays Beach, Thurrock
12. Kemp Town seafront, Brighton
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