ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- St. Landry Parish investigators are cracking down on violators that leave excessive amounts of litter on the sides of roadways, saying it's time for this issue to stop.

"I've noticed a big increase in gross littering which is mainly consist of household items like mattresses, furniture, sinks, all of this being thrown on these parish roads," Investigator Spencer Cornette said.

St. Landry Parish investigator Spencer Cornette said the littering issue has continued to get worse over the past five years and has created not only a safety concern for drivers, but also an environmental hazard. While investigating may be difficult, Cornette said they are dedicated to finding these violators.

"Sometimes it is hard to find out who did it unless there's an envelope or a package with a shipping label with a name and address on it," Cornette said. "Unless we have cameras set up in that area, which we do have cameras set up in the parish."

As gross litter continues to be an issue, Cornette advises residents to dispose of their trash at the parish landfill free of charge.

"Normally, the minimum fine starts off at $500, and the fines can range anywhere from 500 on up," Cornette said. "Plus, they also have to do community service on top of that. It's very important to go throw it at the St. Landry Parish Landfill where you can go throw it for free of charge and you're not issued a citation. Whereas if you throw it on a parish road in your court, you're going to be issued a citation."

Cornette said parish government is also working to acquire new surveillance cameras to install on roadways where the litter is prominent. The further the mission of a cleaner parish.

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