The significant amount of garbage removed from the Outer Ring Road, which is higher than the amount collected last spring, serves as a stark reminder to residents and the travelling public of the importance of practicing proper waste management, which in turn makes our roadways, highways crews and the environment safe.

On Sunday, May 26, a clean-up of the Outer Ring Road between Logy Bay Road and Kenmount Road resulted in the equivalent of approximately four-and-a-half tandem dump trucks of garbage (45 cubic metres) removed from the highway. The garbage consisted of a number of household items, along with a couch, tires, bicycle frame, truck bedliner and a dog kennel.

The four-and-a-half tandem loads of garbage consists of approximately 3,750 garbage bags, and is approximately 1,250 more garbage bags than last spring’s cleanup when three-and-a-half tandem dump trucks of garbage (35 cubic metres) was removed.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure also used the closure to repair guide rails, conduct bridge inspections, patch potholes, remove sand buildup along the shoulders, begin line painting, install signage and sweep interchanges.

The Provincial Government reminds everyone to dispose of their garbage and old household items in a responsible and appropriate manner. All residents have a responsibility to protect the environment and to be mindful of the safety of crews and fellow motorists.

The majority of the debris collected along the Outer Ring Road is the result of unsecured loads. These loads often present a safety hazard for motorists and create litter along the province’s highways. When transporting cargo of any kind it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure their load is properly secured. Government encourages everyone to put public safety first by taking the time to ensure their load is properly secured before they head out on the road.

The Cargo Securement Regulations under the Highway Traffic Act apply to all private and commercial vehicles that are used to transport cargo, debris or trash on a public roadway. Fines for an improperly secured load range from $120 to $600 or 30 days imprisonment.

Littering on the province’s highways is prohibited under section 163. (1) of the Highway Traffic Act. Penalties range from $100 to $500. In default of payment, an offender can face imprisonment for two to 17 days.

Quotes
“Debris strewn along our highways and the hazard of unsecured loads contributes to unsafe conditions. We must all do our part to ensure safety along our roadways and this includes the proper securement and disposal of garbage and other items.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Littering along the highways damages the beauty of our natural landscapes and puts the safety of drivers at risk. I urge our residents to practice proper waste management to ensure garbage doesn’t end up on our roadways. No action is ever too little when it comes to preserving our environment.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Securing your cargo, as required under the Highway Traffic Act, prevents accidents caused by flying debris, and reduces unsightly litter along our roadways. It’s disappointing to see the tremendous amount of garbage that is collected during the annual clean up on the Outer Ring Road, much of which is the result of unsecured cargo. I encourage everyone to take extra care to ensure their vehicles and goods are properly secured.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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