Action to clean lay-bys used as toilets by truckers

LAY-BYS in Birmingham which were ‘used as toilets’ by truckers have undergone a deep clean.

Three lay-bys north of the Minworth Island on the A38 in Sutton Coldfield were described as a ‘public health hazard’ by local councillors David Barrie and Ken Wood.

The lay-bys ‘stunk’, with ‘bins and verges full of human waste’ – a problem which has arisen during the pandemic with a number of other facilities closed. In addition, the sites were used by fly-tippers, with piles of rubbish and tyres dumped there.

The councillors submitted a petition with almost 200 signatures calling for the three lay-bys to be closed to ‘prevent further misuse and abuse’ and to enable a deep clean.

They have now been told their request has been partially successful, with the lay-bys shutting this week for deep cleans, with a single lane of the dual-carriageway also being closed to protect staff.

The local authority is also looking to close one of two northbound laybys ‘for six to 12 months’. They say this will prevent problems while still leaving places to stop for those in need. A council spokesman originally said lay-bys formed an important part of the highway network and closing them was not a solution.

The Road Haulage Association blamed the situation on a lack of facilities, a problem which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Cllrs Barrie and Wood welcomed the U-turn despite being told just last week by the highways department that closures were not possible ‘due to safety issues’.

Cllr Wood said: “I am glad council departments have worked together to deal with an urgent problem, not only do these lay-bys present an appalling image to visitors to our city, as well as Sutton Coldfield, but a very real public health risk.

“We were also absolutely determined that the safety of council staff was properly considered. Whilst they have seen sense late in the day, we’re glad they got there in the end.”