Accumulations of waste along the A34 have prompted demands for a restructuring of duties and more stringent measures.
Fears have been voiced regarding ongoing refuse issues on the dual carriageway, with the existing cleanup arrangements described as problematic.
Emily Smith, who represents Botley and Sunningwell on Vale of White Horse district council, noted that local residents frequently flag concerns about the volume of debris scattered along the dual carriageway and request council assistance in tackling the matter.
She observed that refuse not only creates an unsightly appearance but can also adversely affect people’s wellbeing, animal life and the local economy.
The disorder adjacent to this heavily trafficked section of road presents dangers to wildlife, mental wellbeing and the financial health of the area.
National Highways oversees the majority of principal routes and motorways, however the task of clearing debris on the A34 rests with the district councils through which the road extends.
Crews can only gain access for refuse collection when the road is shut for maintenance purposes, as operations would be unsafe with traffic flowing.
Smith explained that authorisation is only granted during periods when the A34 is closed for maintenance work, as it would be unsafe for council employees or those working for their waste service provider to work on the carriageway while it remains open to vehicles.
She added that despite efforts by Vale of White Horse District Council and their contractors to synchronise debris removal on the A34, the process demands considerable time and hinges on various bodies aligning staff schedules during road closures, which frequently take place during night hours and with minimal warning.
This coordination must be carried out afresh in every council district traversed by each National Highways principal route, which is far from ideal.
She inquired whether the council would back reforms to legislation that would place responsibility for litter clearance on National Highways for roads under their jurisdiction.
Robert Clegg, who serves as cabinet member for environmental services, climate action and nature recovery, stated that the council endorses a transformation of the current arrangements.
Clegg noted that council officers and contractors dedicate considerable effort to guarantee that refuse is removed from across the district, producing strong outcomes in most locations.
The sections running alongside the A34 represent an unfortunate contrast to this; not because of any shortfall in dedication from council officers and contractors, but owing to the unwieldy structure within which they must function.
He clarified that considerable time is devoted to liaising with National Highways and its contractors to obtain safe entry during road shutdowns, which frequently face alterations or cancellations at short notice.
Should National Highways assume accountability for cleansing, they would be positioned to organise activities far more smoothly and productively, probably delivering superior outcomes at reduced expense than presently achieved, he suggested.
The council would consequently back legislative reforms that would confer responsibility for cleaning infrastructure with restricted access for street cleaning teams onto National Highways.
He also advocated for stricter enforcement and initiatives to educate the public in order to modify the behaviour of those who discard litter from vehicles.
Clegg stated that increased deployment of signage, surveillance equipment and controls on loads carried on high-speed roads ought to be examined.