Roadside litter from A278 junction right along M2 to Dartford

Updates

• There is a tremendous litter problem along the M2 that is not being cleared (shouldn't be there in the first place I know) which is a not great example to foreign tourists arriving in UK

  Posted anonymously at 20:18, Sun 5 March 2023

• We appreciate your feedback and share your concerns at the volume of litter dropped on our roads. We’re passionate about providing a network free from rubbish and litter is removed from our roads every day.

  The A2 from the M25 east bound and the M2 was inspected at the end of January. Following our inspectors’ recommendations, we’re currently carrying out litter picking eastbound along the A2 to include junction 1 of the M2. To date we’ve removed in excess of 350 bags of rubbish from the main carriageway, including numerous larger items and 400 bags from slip roads. Once we’ve reached the M2 we will be arranging required traffic management to pick westbound on the A2, returning then to attend to the M2 both east and west bound. We're continuing to secure suitable traffic management to allow us to close slip roads and roundabouts to carry out picking but have been hampered by availability. This is required to provide a safe working environment for the crews.

  It's recognised that the A2 and M2 are used heavily by waste transport lorries using insufficiently netted lorries which contributes to the unwelcomed litter. We’re working proactively with Gravesham Council to understand how we can collaboratively address this issue with a view to targeting the offenders resulting in potential prosecutions by the council as National Highways isn’t an enforcement agency. We also work with Defra and other organisations like Keep Britain Tidy and the Campaign to Protect Rural England to raise public awareness of the dangers and costs associated with litter. We’re also requesting more litter signage which will be installed along the A2 & M2 in due course. Our overall approach for tackling litter is set out in our litter strategy. This outlines our goals and initiatives, supporting our vision of a network predominantly free from litter, without compromising safety.

  Kind regards

  National Highways

  State changed to: Closed

  Posted by National Highways at 12:30, Mon 6 March 2023