Emergency access route on M5 in Devon blocked by fly-tipping
National Highways and the council are appealing for information following the incidents
An emergency access route on the M5 in Devon has been blocked due to fly-tipping incidents believed to have occurred on two separate occasions.
National Highways say the access route, between junctions 28 (Cullompton) and 29 (Honiton, Exeter Airport), has been rendered unusable, should police and National Highways need to release incident-trapped traffic.
The emergency turning point at Little Copse can be accessed via a police viewing platform on the southbound carriageway, opening on to the B3181 local authority road, but has been out of action due to the fly tipped items.
Items dumped at the site include an oil central heating tank, an oil drum, asbestos sheeting, a sofa, and additional furniture.
Mid Devon District Council estimates the removal and disposal of these items will cost more than £4,500.
Emma Bazeley, National Highways Maintenance Service Manager for the South West, said: “The items look like they’ve come from a house clearance and anyone who’s paid a company to dispose of their rubbish appropriately may well recognise them.
“If anyone does recognise the items, they can get in touch with us and we can notify the relevant authorities. It’s totally irresponsible to do this, they’ve not only put ours and police operations at risk but it can pose a risk to wildlife and the environment and it’s costly to remove.
“Clearing litter from our roads costs the taxpayer millions of pounds a year, and it’s a cost local authorities can ill afford.”
National Highways say the access gate from the motorway is securely locked but those responsible for the fly-tipping have managed to gain access to the site via a gate alongside the B3181.
National Highways and police have been unable to use the emergency access road since the blockage was discovered, and have taken steps to securely lock the second access gate.
Surrounding vegetation has also been pruned back and cleared vegetation obscuring views, and the local authority is working to clear the debris.
Councillor Josh Wright, Mid Devon District Council’s Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement said: “It’s incredibly frustrating to see fly-tipping on this scale, particularly somewhere so important.
“As well as harming the environment, it’s costly to clear up and has caused disruption to an emergency access route which could have serious consequences if access is needed during an incident.
“Our teams are working with partners to get the site cleared as quickly and safely as possible. We’d ask anyone with information to come forward and remind people to always check anyone taking away waste is licensed to dispose of it properly.”
National Highways and Mid Devon District Council are appealing for anyone with information about the fly-tipping incidents to contact them.