New idea planted by National Highways to curb fly-tippers

This shocking image illustrates the scale of the fly-tipping at the site with bed mattresses and a fridge amongst the rubbish dumped in the West Midlands street.

Thousands of pounds have been spent by National Highways clearing up the rubbish at this fly-tipping hotspot in Darlaston Road, Walsall. Complaints were received from residents in the street upset about the issue.

As well as being unsightly and dangerous, the mound of rubbish blocked National Highways’ gates which provide vital access to the adjacent M6.

So to deter fly-tippers and to brighten up the area, National Highways have installed two large planters which fill the vacant space and will provide some colour in the coming months.

National Highways’ Route Manager Adrian Johnson said:

Rather than install fencing or bricking up the space which can be quite intrusive in a residential area, we thought these planters would offer a much more attractive use of the space for the local community.

Dumping rubbish poses a risk to the wildlife and the environment as well as being an ugly sight for local people to have to endure. We hope the improvements that we have made will persuade reckless fly-tippers to think again.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the National Highways customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the National Highways press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.