Motorists in North Herts may be in for delays as the busiest roads in the area undergo their annual sprucing-up, expected to cost about £35,000.

The Comet: Fly-tipping in Norton Bury Lane, Letchworth.Fly-tipping in Norton Bury Lane, Letchworth. (Image: Archant)

North Herts District Council’s roadside clean-up has started on the A505 north between Letchworth and Royston – the work there will go on until March 11, except weekends.

There will be lane closures to allow the roads to be cleaned safely.

Other work will take place on the A602 between Stevenage and Hitchin over the weekend of March 12 and 13, and on the A505 south between Hitchin and Luton from March 18 to 29, except weekends.

“Much of the work will involve removing litter and debris which has been thrown from passing vehicles,” a council spokesman said.

“We have also found large amounts of industrial waste which may have fallen from lorries.”

Councillor Lynda Needham, leader of the council, said: “We urge motorists to consider the ramifications of throwing rubbish from their vehicles.

“All this has an impact on the beautiful countryside and gives visitors a poor image of the area. It is also very costly, diverting money from other valued council services.”

This year’s work coincides with the national Clean for the Queen campaign, the goal being to clean up the UK before the Queen’s 90th birthday – see cleanforthequeen.co.uk.