Night litter clear-up on busy roads

A 13-night programme of intensive litter clearance has started on the A26 and A27.
Road side rubbish Ashcombe roundabout SUS-160225-004401008Road side rubbish Ashcombe roundabout SUS-160225-004401008
Road side rubbish Ashcombe roundabout SUS-160225-004401008

The collections, which began on Monday (April 18), are taking place at night so disruption to drivers is kept to a minimum. This work is the result of negotiations between Lewes District Council and Highways England for a safe roadside cleaning plan following a decision to suspend litter picking where staff were at risk of being injured.

Councillor Paul Franklin, the council’s Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling, said: “It’s important to remember this issue is not isolated to Lewes, all councils are facing similar challenges. In Lewes, we take the issue of litter very seriously and will take part in a summit meeting on May 9 with Highways England, neighbouring authorities and police to work together in tackling this problem.”

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Last year, the council stopped roadside cleaning on stretches of the A26 and A27 where there was not enough room for staff to litter pick without risking injury from passing cars - a move in line with guidance from the Department of Transport.

Last week, the council engaged Highways England contractor Balfour Beatty as a short-term solution to clear away roadside litter.

Specialised vehicles are being used and temporary lane closures are being enforced for safety reasons. The council is also working with police to identify businesses that allow refuse to fall from uncovered lorries or cases of fly-tipping.

Cllr Franklin added: “We urge people who see littering to report this to us so action can be taken. Following a report from a member of the public, the council recently issued a fixed penalty notice to a local company that was allowing loose rubbish to drop from one of their vehicles on the A26.”

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New litter bins are also being installed in some lay-bys along the A26 and A27.

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