‘MOTORWAY JUNCTION IS A DEATH TRAP’

Highways England fails to clear ‘overgrown’ roundabout

MAINTENANCE man John White has labelled a busy motorway junction a ‘death trap’ – because of the overgrown vegetation.

The 58-year-old has contacted Highways England to complain about the state of the M6 junction 15 roundabout at Hanchurch.

Old signs, sandbags and rubbish are also littering the area.

He has also accused Highways England of never turning up to cut back the bushes and trees – despite them saying they will.

The maintenance supervisor, who lives near the roundabout, said: “They’ve sent me two dates but nothing has been done. I live just around the corner from the junction and the vegetation now is so bad that there are wild trees growing out of the roundabout.

“There are signs and bits of rubbish and sandbags and bits of cars there too. It’s an absolute disgrace.

“If you try to cross the road there then you’re risking your life because you can’t see anything.

It’s a death trap. It’s been getting worse for about three years.”

That section of the M6 is currently being turned into a smart motorway as part of a multi-million pound construction project.

Highways England official Peter Smith said: “This summer our teams have been out grass cutting across the road network.

“We carry out regular inspections so we can prioritise areas most in need of maintenance and make sure there are not any visibility issues for drivers.

“Grass cutting at junction 15 was planned to take place last month.

“We rescheduled it to later this month so we could complete essential roadworks as part of the motorway upgrade at that location.

“We also carry out litter picking when we can access locations safely and without causing major disruption.

“We’re calling on drivers to join us in doing their bit for safety and the environment by taking their litter home and recycling.”