Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the state of the cleanliness of the A13 between the junction with the M25 and the junction with the A130; and what steps they intend to take to remove litter from that stretch of road.

The Highway’s Agency is responsible for litter picking the A13 between M25 Junction 30 and the A1089 interchange. East of the A1089, the A13 is the responsibility of Thurrock Council. The Agency regularly assesses their section of the A13 and takes action to pick litter in accordance with the 1990 Environmental Protection Act’s Code of Practice.

The Agency is aware that the A13 suffers from heavy littering. They are currently utilising existing traffic management which is in place for a major improvement scheme at junction 30 of the M25, to undertake intensive litter clearance. This operation will continue for several weeks.

In addition the Agency is engaging with local stakeholders, educating and encouraging HGV drivers to cover their vehicles to prevent litter and debris falling onto the verges. They are also liaising with Thurrock Council to identify ways to improve the levels of cleanliness in this area.