England’s toxic road runoff pollution being ignored, MPs told

Carcinogens entering waterways from 25,000 road outflows are not monitored or regulated by Environment Agency, committee hears

Toxic, carcinogenic pollution that pours from 25,000 road outflows into rivers in England is being ignored by politicians and regulators, MPs have been told.

Road runoff containing toxic particles from tyres and brakes, and pollution from fuel and oil spills – which washes into rivers after rainfall – can devastate aquatic life and, by increasing toxicity, reduce the overall health of waterways. It is responsible for 18% of the reason all rivers fail to meet good ecological and chemical standards.