§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to clear motorways of rubbish, as highlighted in a recent report from the Automobile Association.
§ Mr. MarksThe task of clearing debris from the motorways is part of the routine maintenance carried out by county councils which act as the Department's agents. Agents patrol the motorways regularly for the sole purpose of removing debris. But no matter how often a section is patrolled the risk of an accident170W occurring before the next patrol is due will always remain. For this reason motorists who see obstructions on or near the carriageway should stop at the next emergency telephone to warn the police of the danger. The police will immediately take the necessary action to have the obstruction removed. The surest way to reduce these hazards is for that small minority of irresponsible operators and drivers who shed debris to make sure that their loads and vehicles are in a safe condition. By accepting their responsibility in this way, the hazard from debris will be reduced.