Motorways could be ripped up after HA investigation

Road contractors could be forced to rip-out and replace miles of drainage work on Britain's motorways following claims that substandard products have been installed.

The Highways Agency has launched an investigation which could lead to massive disruption during any necessary remedial work.

The probe centres on claims by leading suppliers that kerb drainage products have been used on a number of road contracts that do not meet strict HA load bearing specifications.

The whistleblowers include materials suppliers Fowler & Holden, ACO and Marshalls.

Marshalls said: "We have recently raised our concerns to the Highways Agency that certain suppliers of combined kerb drainage systems are supplying products which may not meet the required standards for products used on our highways."

Marshalls also claimed that there have been "failures of unaccredited products which could ultimately damage the reputation of combined kerb and drainage systems."

A Highways Agency spokeswoman confirmed the investigation. She said: "We take any such allegations very seriously. Following correspondence and discussions with a number of manufacturers and suppliers, the Highways Agency is currently investigating the supply of kerb drainage units on several contracts.

"Once this issue has been fully investigated an assessment will be made as to whether the supplied materials are fully compliant and, if not, what remedial action may be required."

If the claims prove true, roads contractors could be forced to fund millions of pounds of remedial work.

The HA spokeswoman said contractors were responsible for ensuring the products used met its Specification for Highway Works and have British Standards certification.

She declined to name the products under investigation and the road contracts the products have been used on.