To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what contractual obligations apply to the contract for the A13/A1089 in Thurrock held by Connect Plus Group for cleaning and collecting rubbish and litter from the highways and its embankments; how performance against those obligations is monitored; and if he will make a statement. (324268)

The contractual obligations that apply to Connect Plus for the cleaning and collecting of rubbish and litter from the A13/A1089 highway and its embankments require the contractor to perform routine services in respect of sweeping and cleaning.

The general requirement is to comply with the standards of cleanliness set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990: Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse, for the sweeping and cleaning of all channels and hard shoulders, verges, central reservations, lay-bys, slopes, removal of litter and sweeping of footways and cycle tracks.

Performance against these sweeping and cleaning obligations is measured and reported to the Highways Agency for review on a monthly basis.