The London Borough of Bexley and its Highways Works contractor are committed to reducing the environmental impact of highway maintenance and improvement works.

Our contractor currently recycles approximately 98% of waste materials generated from highway projects. These recycled materials are reused in producing new asphalt and Type 1 aggregates. This significantly reduces the need for landfill disposal, limits excavation, decreases the transportation of raw materials, and lowers the energy required for processing.

To further reduce environmental impact, Bexley now uses Warm Mix Asphalt as the standard material for resurfacing works, replacing traditional Hot Mix Asphalt. Warm Mix Asphalt is produced at a lower temperature, which reduces energy use, carbon dioxide emissions, and air pollutants. It is also more durable, resulting in fewer repairs and a longer service life. Additionally, it cools faster, allowing roads to reopen sooner and reducing disruption and the need for traffic diversions.

Three years ago, Bexley upgraded all 19,500 of its streetlights from high-pressure sodium units to energy-efficient LED lighting. These LED units use approximately 50% less electricity, cutting both energy costs and carbon emissions. LED lights typically last up to 12 years considerably longer than the 2 to 3 year lifespan of traditional sodium lights resulting in fewer replacements, reduced waste, and lower operational demands. LEDs also produce less heat and provide more focused lighting, which helps reduce both urban heat levels and light pollution.