HL Deb 06 February 2003 vol 644 c41WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the amount of litter along the A14 trunk road between the M11/A11 link road and the A12 at Ipswich is acceptable; and, if not, what steps they intend to take to keep this road clean. [HL1354]

The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)

Under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the sweeping and cleansing of trunk roads is the responsibility of the district, borough and unitary councils through which they pass. There are six councils responsible for clearing litter along the A14 trunk road between the locations mentioned. These are South Cambridgeshire, West Suffolk, St. Edmundsbury, Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils and Ipswich Borough Council.

The Highways Agency encourages all councils to ensure that, whenever possible, litter is cleared when lane closures are in place for other reasons such as routine maintenance. In addition, the agency arranges for the immediate removal of refuse or debris reported or found on the trunk road that is considered to be a safety hazard.

The Highways Agency is not aware of any recent litter problems on this section of the A14 that could pose a safety problem.