Disgusting amount of Litter

Updates

• 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 initially inspected at the end of January. Following our inspectors’ recommendations, we’ve carried out litter picking eastbound along the A2 to include junction 1 of the M2. To date we’ve carried out over 30 litter picks under1000 people hours. Fresh litter inspections were carried out on 9 and 10 March and the areas with the heaviest amount of litter build up are to be prioritised moving forward starting on the main carriageway where it’s safe to pick using an IPV (Incident Protection Vehicle) which provides protection for both our operatives and motorists in live traffic situations. We also continue to secure suitable traffic management to allow us to close slip roads and roundabouts. This is necessary 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 11:39, Mon 27 March 2023