National Highways has warned that dumped waste blocked an emergency turning point at Little Copse between junction 28 (Cullompton) and junction 29 (Honiton and Exeter Airport) on the M5. According to National Highways, the access route was rendered unusable following what is believed to have been two separate fly-tipping incidents.
The obstruction affected a route that can be accessed through a police viewing platform on the southbound carriageway and connects to the B3181 local authority road. National Highways said that neither it nor the police would be able to use the route if required during an incident.
Emergency Access Route Blocked by Dumped Waste
The rubbish left at the site included an oil central heating tank, a sofa, furniture, an oil drum and asbestos sheeting. According to information reported by National Highways, Mid Devon District Council spent more than £4,500 removing and disposing of the waste.
Emma Bazeley, National Highways Maintenance Service Manager for the South West, said the items appeared consistent with material that could have originated from a house clearance. She suggested that people who had recently paid a company to remove rubbish might recognise some of the dumped items.
National Highways has appealed for members of the public with information to come forward so details can be passed to the relevant authorities. Bazeley described the dumping as “totally irresponsible”, stating that it had put National Highways and police operations at risk while also posing risks to wildlife and the environment. She added that litter clearance on roads costs taxpayers millions of pounds each year and places additional financial pressure on local authorities.
According to National Highways, those responsible would have needed to enter the site through a gate alongside the B3181 because the motorway access gate is normally kept securely locked. The organisation said it would secure the second access gate, clear vegetation and work with local authorities to remove remaining debris.
New Enforcement Measures Target Repeat Offenders
The incident comes amid wider concerns about fly-tipping levels in England. According to reports, fly-tipping incidents reached a record 1.15 million during the 2023/24 period.
Councillor Josh Wright, Mid Devon District Council’s Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement, said the situation was “incredibly frustrating”. He noted that fly-tipping harms the environment, is expensive to clear and had disrupted an emergency access route that could be needed during a serious incident.
Wright said council teams were working with partner organisations to restore the site as quickly and safely as possible. He also urged residents to ensure that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly licensed to dispose of it.
Labour has confirmed plans to introduce new rules allowing fly-tippers to receive penalty points on their driving licences. Under the proposed system, individuals who repeatedly offend and accumulate 12 or more points within a three-year period could face disqualification from driving. National Highways and Mid Devon District Council continue to seek information that could help identify those responsible for the Devon incident.
