England’s Highways See Unusual Abandoned Items, Including Boat and Carnival Ride
LONDON, England — England’s National Highways agency reported that over 49,000 abandoned objects have been collected from the country’s roads between January and September 2025, revealing an eclectic mix of debris that poses hazards to motorists. Among the most unusual finds were a boat stranded on a slip road near Measham, Leicestershire, and a fairground ride discovered along the M180 near Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire.
According to National Highways, the majority of the abandoned items consisted of construction materials, household goods, and vehicles, with 9,685 pieces of building or construction debris, 3,575 household or yard-care items, and 797 abandoned vehicles removed from roadways. Traffic officers frequently encountered sofas, storage containers, Christmas trees, and bicycles obstructing lanes, creating dangerous distractions for drivers.
One particularly striking incident involved a boat found atop a damaged trailer on the side of the A42, far from any nearby waterway. Traffic officer Cat Martin described the discovery as “a surprise to see something of this size on the side of a slip road, causing a distraction and obstruction to drivers.” Despite efforts, the owner could not be located, and the boat was promptly taken to a scrapyard to prevent accidents.
In November, officers removed a fairground ride abandoned in a roadside verge along the M180, an extraordinary find that underscored the risks posed by improperly discarded large objects. Marie Biddulph, regional safety program manager for National Highways, emphasized the dangers, stating, “These items left on or alongside our roads can put drivers at risk, while retrieving them often leads to a road or lanes being closed, causing an inconvenience to other motorists.”
The agency urges the public to dispose of unwanted items responsibly and to secure loads properly before traveling to prevent collisions and reduce roadside litter. The National Highways’ campaign aligns with broader road safety initiatives aimed at minimizing hazards and maintaining clear, safe routes for all users.
For more information on road safety and proper load securing, the National Highways official site provides guidelines and updates. Additionally, the Department for Transport offers resources on vehicle and road safety regulations. Motorists can also consult the Highways England portal for real-time traffic updates and safety advisories. The Road Safety GB organization supports community efforts to reduce road hazards and promote responsible driving.
As the winter months approach, the National Highways agency continues to monitor and clear abandoned objects to ensure safer travel conditions across England’s extensive road network.
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