Get National Highways to clean up its act

We all know our rivers are polluted. However, it’s not just from sewage, or due to the inaction of failing water companies. What is less talked about, but in many ways worse than sewage and even more shocking, is road runoff. Every time it rains, a toxic brew of oil, particulate matter, and microplastics from tyre and brake wear is washed off the roads, causing widespread pollution. For our busiest roads, National Highways (a government owned company) is failing to tackle this problem.

Research by Stormwater Shepherds and Watershed Investigations found that National Highways is responsible for 25,000 road outfalls and soakaways which take this heavily polluted water and pour it directly into our rivers and groundwater. This can be into some of our most highly protected habitats. Yet, not only is National Highways failing to sort this mess out, the Environment Agency isn’t doing anything about it either!

Even National Highways' own regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), is looking the other way as National Highways continues to ignore the water pollution from its roads. The ORR’s latest report didn’t even mention National Highways’ failure to tackle this issue.

It seems only public outrage will lead to any change. The government is currently drawing up National Highways’ next 5-year budget (RIS3) making this the perfect time to show how important this issue is. So join us in telling the government we expect it to prioritise funding to clean up this toxic brew in the next roads programme.

Not a single river in England is in good overall health

National Highways cannot be allowed to pretend most outfalls are not a problem or that it only needs to treat a tiny proportion of them. All are leaching heavy metals and carcinogens into our rivers and groundwater.

Please support us by writing to your MP and asking them to contact the Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP (the Transport Secretary) about this issue. Just put your name, address and email in the ‘Take Action’ panel, then click the ‘Start Writing’ button to send a letter. You can edit the suggested text as you see fit. When you’re ready, hit ‘Send Letter’. The whole process can take less than a minute.

Many thanks,

Becca, Chris & Nisha

Transport Action Network