Road Safety - Spillages

Hazards on the road come in many different shapes and forms. Spillages of material on the road can be particularly hazardous to all highway users, especially those riding motorcycles and bicycles. These spillages can be as liquids or solids and can be as a result of an accident or by accidental spillage from a commercial vehicle or trailer.

The main examples of spillage on the road are mud and soil (usually left by building contractors or farmers) during wet weather. Other common spillages are oil, gravel, sand or any dropped cargo from vehicles.

The Council is responsible for keeping the highway clean and free from spillages. Where spillages are of a hazardous nature, the local police and fire services may be involved in the incident and road closures may be required.

We aim to attend all dangerous incidents immediately after notification.

Report It

The Council operates a 24 hour, 365 day call out service to respond to emergency/reactive incidents, such as spillages on the road surface, applying road closures and traffic diversions as required.

If you see an incident of spillage on the highway - this could include oil, gravel, sand or dropped cargo on the road, please report this to us as soon as possible by telephoning 01495 762200 between 08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 08.30 – 16.30 Fridays or outside these hours, on 01495 762200 (emergencies only).

If you have any information regarding the person that has caused the offence, albeit accidentally or deliberately, please mention this when reporting the incident. It will help us to recover any costs incurred from those responsible.

If you have any concerns about a spillage, do not try and deal with it yourself.