Colchester City Council has removed nearly 2.5 tonnes of litter and waste from the A12 during overnight clean-up works carried out in July.
Work began on 6 July and was carried out over three nights, making use of planned road closures to minimise disruption for drivers while ensuring crews could work safely along the busy route.
Council officers covered more than 12 kilometres of the A12, carrying out litter clearance works on both the northbound and southbound carriageways between Junctions 25 and 26, as well as the northbound carriageway between Junctions 28 and 29. The team also cleared six slip roads and six lay-bys as part of the operation.
What was cleared
The Street Care and Safety team collected 2,470kg of waste from the roadside. The material removed included litter, fly-tipped waste, tyres, abandoned roadworks signage and debris from vehicles.
Clear roads benefit residents and road users
Keeping major routes clear of litter and larger discarded items helps reduce hazards for motorists, improves the appearance of the area and prevents waste from being spread further by passing traffic.
Regular clean-up operations help to protect the local environment, reduce the risk of blocked drains and discourage further littering and fly-tipping.
Why the council carries out work like this
At Colchester City Council, we carry out proactive clean-up operations on major roads within our catchment areas to maintain safety, support local communities and protect the environment.
By taking advantage of planned road closures and quieter overnight periods, we can carry out essential maintenance and clearance work while keeping disruption to a minimum.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: "Keeping our major roads clear of litter, fly-tipped waste and dangerous debris is an important part of maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
“Removing nearly two and a half tonnes of waste in just a few nights shows the scale of the challenge, but also the commitment of our teams who work hard to look after our local environment. I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering these important works."
Working together to keep Colchester clean
This clean-up forms part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining clean, safe and welcoming spaces across Colchester.
If you'd like to get involved in litter picking, you’re invited to join the growing team of over 1,000 Litter Warriors committed to picking litter in their local communities on a regular basis – contact community.volunteers@colchester.gov.uk
Fly-tipping and littering affects us all, and reporting issues helps us target our work where it’s needed most. Residents are also encouraged to report fly-tipping and other environmental issues through the council’s website.