Colchester crews have removed nearly 14 tonnes of waste from a stretch of the A12 during a major overnight clean-up operation carried out across four nights in March.
Seven officers from Colchester Council’s Street Care and Safety team worked along both carriageways between junctions 26 and 29 on the major Essex A-road, targeting litter and debris on one of the region’s busiest routes.
The Ipswich-bound side was cleared from junction 26 to 29, with the London-bound carriageway cleaned in the opposite direction.
The work was deliberately scheduled overnight to minimise disruption to motorists and ensure the safety of both road users and staff.
In total, 3.7 tonnes of waste were collected by hand from the roadside, including 19 discarded tyres, 13 abandoned road signs and three separate fly-tipping incidents.
A mechanical road sweeper supported the effort, removing a further 10 tonnes of material from the carriageway.
Altogether, the operation cleared close to 14 tonnes of waste – roughly equivalent to the weight of 10 family cars.
Council officials say the clean-up will have a direct impact on safety and the local environment. Removing large objects and litter helps reduce the risk of accidents, prevents potential damage to vehicles and improves visibility for drivers.
It also tackles issues such as blocked drainage systems caused by build-ups of debris, while improving the overall appearance of the roadside.
The council said such proactive work is essential to prevent longer-term problems and rising costs.
Regular clean-ups on major roads are designed to discourage further fly-tipping and ensure the network remains safe and efficient for residents, commuters and businesses.
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbours and Leisure, praised the efforts of the teams involved.
He said: "“I know people expect the roads they use every day to be safe, clean and well looked after, and this work goes a long way towards making that happen. It might not always be visible while it’s taking place, but clearing litter and dumped items from major routes like the A12 really does make a difference for residents and everyone travelling through the area.”
“I want to thank our street care teams who carried out this hard work overnight to keep disruption to a minimum. Their effort and commitment play a vital role in looking after our shared spaces and taking pride in Colchester.”
The clean-up forms part of the council’s wider push to keep Colchester clean and welcoming. Residents are being encouraged to support the effort by reporting fly-tipping and environmental issues, as well as joining the town’s growing network of volunteer litter pickers, known as Litter Warriors.
