Spillage - Roads

Summary

 The council is responsible for dealing with spillage of a range of materials that are potentially toxic or dangerous (including Road Traffic Accidents and mud from builders and agriculture) which occur on adopted roads, such incidents are treated as an emergency. These incidents need specific treatment methods that may include special risk assessments and emergency procedures.

Oil and Diesel Spillage:
Oil or diesel can cause slippery road surfaces, which cause road traffic accidents. These spillages need to be cleaned up as quickly as possible and it is therefore most important that as much information as possible is provided to enable the incident to be dealt with effectively, for example, an HGV that has been leaking diesel over several miles requires a different response than a very localised incident.

Diesel spillages are generally dealt with by sanding the area and placing any appropriate signs at the roadside. A petrol spillage does not usually create the same problem, as it will evaporate readily into the atmosphere.

Chemical Spillage:
Before any work is carried out the materials have to be assessed and the risks and hazards identified for those attending the incident.

Hazardous substances:
There is general and specific legislation controlling the transportation, storage and use of hazardous substances. There are different organisations, including the Environmental Health Service that enforce this legislation depending on the business involved and/or where the substances are located. The Environmental Health Service can give further advice on the above, and refer the complainant to another body where necessary.

The Health and Safety Executive enforce many businesses regarding this area and also the Environment Agency where there is spillage or pollution and where substances are being transported or are trade waste, etc. For further advice and information, please contact the Environmental Health Service.

Emergency Closures:
If conditions are severe enough, a police officer at the scene has the power to close the road. Where there is a significant hazard, the Highway Authority also has the power to close a road immediately without notification.

 

Eligibility

 All

 

Procedure

 If you see an incident of spillage on the highway (this could include oil/gravel/sand etc. on the road or dropped cargo etc.) please report this to us as an emergency by telephoning, or contact the police.

Any obstructions to the highway should be reported to the police.

If you have any details of the offender please tell us, it will help us to recover the costs.

 

Helplines

Highways Supervisor 07976 301653 or 07976 206285
Technical Unit 01226 774359
Police 0114 202020

 

 

How the customer can help

 If you see an incident of spillage on the highway (this could include oil/gravel/sand etc. on the road or dropped cargo etc.) please report this to us as an emergency by telephoning, or contact the police.

Any obstructions to the highway should be reported to the police.

If you have any details of the offender please tell us, it will help us to recover the costs.

 

 

Legislation

 Road Traffic Act.

 

Websites

 The Environment Agency

 

 

Response Times/Next Steps

 Reports received regarding spillages on roads will be given our immediate attention.

 

Out of Hours Procedure

 Contact Highways Supervision.

 

Owner Officer Contact Details

 Neighbourhood Services, PO Box 605, S70 9FF.

Tel: (01226) 774359. e mail NeighbourhoodServices@barnsley.gov.uk

Last modified on 16/9/2008