Highways Agency steps up litter campaign
The Highways Agency has joined forces with an HGV industry regulator in a bid to step up its campaign to keep motorways and major A roads free of litter.
In a new initiative, the Agency has teamed up with North West Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell – to encourage commercial vehicle operators to ensure their vehicles do not spill litter or debris on to the roads.
HA Traffic Officers and contractors will report any incidents to Bell who will then warn the operators that their licences could be at risk if their loads are not secured properly.
The initiative could be rolled out across England if it proves to be a success in the North West where last year more than 66,000 sacks of rubbish were collected from motorways.
Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “Litter on the motorway and trunk road network is a serious issue. Not only is it unsightly it can also be very dangerous for road users. I am pleased that the Traffic Commissioner and the Highways Agency are working together to help tackle this problem in the North West and make journeys and the local environment more pleasant.
“Motorways are our safest roads but picking litter from them safely and without having to disrupt traffic is not straightforward. The simplest – and cheapest – solution would be if the rubbish wasn’t dropped in the first place, and I’d urge all motorists to help keep our roads clean.
“I also urge the public to report to the Highways Agency (0300 123 5000) any instances of litter being spilled from vehicles, such as lorries carrying skips, on motorways and major A-roads.”
North West Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell, said: “A major aspect of my role is to ensure that road users, including drivers of heavy goods vehicles, can use the roads safely. As a regulator of the HGV industry, my primary concern is to ensure that drivers and operators demonstrate the highest standards of safety and compliance.
“I fully support this initiative for Highways Agency Traffic Officers and contractors to report instances where the drivers of commercial operators have not ensured that their loads are secured effectively and I urge all operators to remind their staff of the safety implications of such incidents. Operators and drivers who are reported to my office may find themselves subject to consideration of disciplinary action.”
A-one+, the Highways Agency’s contractor for south Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire, is responsible for removing litter and debris from the motorway network on behalf of the Agency. Last year it collected more than 66,000 sacks of rubbish from motorways in the area – much of it shed by commercial vehicles.
Brian Statham, general manager for A-one+, said: “Not all roadside litter is casually thrown out of car windows. A large amount of commercial litter is blown from the back of large goods vehicles.
“Typically, we see large pieces of polythene, plastic and polystyrene wedged in trees and bushes, but there could be serious safety implications if a piece of this material caused other vehicles to swerve or brake suddenly.”
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