Protecting Newbury’s Chalk Streams: My Work to Address Pollution from the M4

As part of my ongoing efforts to protect Newbury’s natural environment, I’ve recently tabled a written question to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding runoff from the M4 motorway and its potential impact on the chalk streams in our area, particularly the River Lambourn.

Chalk streams, like the River Lambourn, are a key part of our local ecosystem. They provide vital habitats for wildlife and are a unique feature of our natural landscape. Unfortunately, pollution from road runoff can have a damaging effect on these delicate waterways, which is why this issue is one I take very seriously.

My question raised concerns about runoff from the M4, which has been known to affect local chalk streams. In response, the Government has acknowledged the issue and highlighted the steps National Highways has already taken. In 2024, National Highways treated a site along the M4 that was discharging pollutants into the River Lambourn. While this is a positive first step, there is still much more to be done to safeguard our chalk streams from ongoing pollution.

I’m pleased to hear that the Department for Transport is working closely with National Highways to address water pollution from the strategic road network. The approach focuses on prioritising the most high-risk outfalls, as identified in National Highways's 2030 water quality plan. Additionally, the Department for Transport and National Highways are reviewing technical standards for road drainage to ensure that the protection of chalk streams is given the attention it deserves.

This ongoing work is crucial for the protection of our environment, and I will continue to press for further action to mitigate the risks posed by road runoff. It is essential that we continue to prioritise the health of our chalk streams for future generations and that efforts are made to reduce pollution at its source.

I’ll keep working closely with local environmental groups, National Highways, and government departments to ensure that Newbury’s chalk streams are protected from harmful pollution. I will also continue to raise this issue in Parliament, as our natural environment should never be overlooked when it comes to road infrastructure and planning.

Protecting our local wildlife and waterways is a responsibility we all share, and I will continue to hold the government to account on this important issue.