The work was done between 8pm and 6am to minimise disruption to motorists. The DWP had to use vehicles with directional signs and a crash cushion to protect the team and warn road users of their presence, which are expensive.
The DWP is also working with neighbouring councils and the Highways Agency to clean up other key routes, including the A31 and A35, before the holiday season gets underway.
Steve Burdis, Director of the Dorset Waste Partnership, said:
“The recent scale of litter and indiscriminate dumping on the A338 highlights the true cost to taxpayers of dealing with a minority’s lack of care for our environment.
“Cleaning major roads like the A338 is dangerous work that requires safety measures to protect road-users and our workforce.
“This is both disruptive and expensive, meaning that we limit our litter-picking on these roads to twice a year on average.
“We are committed to tackling the problem on other key routes, which are also in a poor state. But it would not cost as much if everyone took responsibility for their waste.”
Larry Austin, Bournemouth Borough Council strategic operations manager, added:
“The council has an excellent working relationship with the Dorset Waste Partnership and was happy to assist with this clean-up work on the A338, which also serves as the main approach road into Bournemouth.
“From the dumped items we cleared it is apparent that many people still have complete disregard for the way they dispose of litter and waste, meaning expensive costs for the taxpayer in clean-up fees and staff having to work in a dangerous environment to carry out the work.
“We would encourage anyone witnessing fly-tipping to report it to their local council.”
To report fly-tipping in Dorset, go to http://www.dorsetforyou.com/flytipping or call your local council.
This is disgraceful. Anyone who litters should be fined £500 like they do in America. that would stop them.