WSP: Not enough troopers to enforce litter laws as trash piles up

KIRO 7 reporters exposed why trash along our state’s highways is worse than ever before.

But while the trash grows, those who contribute to the litter problem are being fined less.

Related: Thousands of pounds of garbage, debris removed from ‘Jungle’

Along our state’s busiest byways, especially along I-5 from Everett to Olympia and in rural counties too — more litter lines our state roads.

The Washington State Department of Transportation blames the increased trash on our state’s growing population, less volunteer help during the winter months, less vegetation so litter is more visible, and no cleanup assistance from prison inmates.

The Washington State Patrol also has an explanation; not enough troopers to enforce the state’s litter laws.

“With the lack of troopers, we have to prioritize,” WSP Sgt. James Prouty said Wednesday, “and our commitment is to saving lives.”

According to Prouty, there are 120 unfilled state trooper positions, and fewer troopers means less litter enforcement — because in most cases, they have to witness infractions in order to write citations or pursue criminal charges.

In 2015 — there were 1,500 WSP stops for litter, 5,700 for unsecured loads. In 2016 — with growing job openings — those enforcement numbers dropped to 1,300 litter contacts, 5,500 WSP contacts for unsecured loads.

Sgt. Prouty acknowledged that drivers want troopers to enforce our state’s litter laws.

However, he said speeding, DUI enforcement, saving lives come first.

“We want to make sure we continue to focus on what our priorities are.

Not that litter isn’t a priority,” Prouty told KIRO 7, “but we prioritize lifesaving first, and I think people understand that.”