Wheel Washing and Road Cleanliness

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TRF-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

Why?

Public safetyMud on roads causes skidding and collisions that can kill road users.
Legal liabilityDepositing mud on highways is a criminal offence with fines and enforcement.
Community relationsDirty roads generate complaints and damage the contractor's reputation.
Environmental dutySilt-laden runoff from wheel wash can pollute watercourses if uncontrolled.
Do Don't
  • Use the wheel wash facility every time you exit the site onto a road.
  • Check your vehicle wheels and bodywork for mud before leaving site.
  • Report any faults with wheel wash equipment to the site manager promptly.
  • Drive slowly through the wheel wash to ensure effective cleaning.
  • Arrange road sweeping when conditions make wheel washing insufficient.
  • Maintain haul roads and access tracks to reduce mud generation.
  • Ensure wheel wash drainage is directed to a settlement system, not drains.
  • Follow the site traffic management plan for approach and exit routes.
  • Keep records of wheel wash maintenance and road sweeping operations.
  • Report any mud deposited on the public road immediately for clean-up.
  • DON'T leave site with mud on your wheels or vehicle bodywork.
  • DON'T bypass the wheel wash facility to save time.
  • DON'T ignore mud on the public highway — report it immediately.
  • DON'T allow wheel wash water to discharge directly into surface drains.
  • DON'T drive at speed through the wheel wash — slow down for proper cleaning.
  • DON'T wait for complaints before addressing road cleanliness issues.
  • DON'T use the public road as a haul route without authorisation.
  • DON'T neglect haul road maintenance — potholes and ruts create more mud.
  • DON'T assume road sweeping is someone else's responsibility.
  • DON'T block the wheel wash area by parking or storing materials there.

See also: Site Speed Limits and Route Planning | Delivery Vehicle Management