'˜Green roads' to be trialled in Falkirk area

A new way to resurface roads is to be trialled by Falkirk Council and this will include the use of some recycled plastics.

It is hoped that, if successful, the move could help in the “fight against plastic pollution”.

Councillor Paul Garner, environment spokesman, has confirmed that the pioneering method developed by a Scots firm will be put to the test at two sites during this financial year.

The product uses pellets made from difficult-to-recycle plastics, which would otherwise go to landfill.

The pellets replace fossil fuel bitumen as a binding agent for asphalt, making the mix more environmentally friendly.

Falkirk will be among the first councils to try ‘plastic roads’, which have already been trialled in Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria and Enfield, London.

The councillor suggested this approach should be explored by the local authority, prompting a meeting with MacRebur and the council’s roads services team.

Two sites have been identified from the existing capital programme for the trial – Bankside in Falkirk and a stretch of Stirling Street in Denny.

These two sites were chosen as they are different in character and environment, which will allow the council to assess the performance of the material under different stress parameters.

As the process is new the council will monitor its performance against traditional surfacing methods.

Mr Garner said: “At a time when plastic waste is becoming a major headache, clogging up landfill sites and polluting our rivers and oceans, I’m delighted that Falkirk will become one of the first councils in the UK to trial this revolutionary product”.

“Success won’t be known for some amount of time, however, given the potential environmental benefits offered by this product, this could also prove a game-changer in the fight against plastic pollution.”