One of these falling rocks could kill somebody!

Rocks on the Road: The Ongoing Issue with Aggregate Industries and Public Safety

For years, Aggregate Industries has staunchly denied that their lorries drop debris, insisting they bear no responsibility for the rocks and stones found on roads near their operations. But recent video evidence tells a different story—one that raises serious questions about public safety and corporate accountability.

Caught on Camera: A Rock, a Car, and a Dangerous Chain Reaction

A newly released video captures a rock falling directly from the back of an Aggregate Industries lorry onto the road. Moments later, a passing vehicle strikes the rock, propelling it across the carriageway and into a bike lane. This seemingly small event creates a ripple effect of risk, threatening both cyclists and pedestrians.

One team member is shown retrieving the rock after work and moving it to a safer location, a small but telling act that underscores the potential danger. Rocks like these don’t just pose a risk of cosmetic vehicle damage—they can cause cracked windscreens, tire blowouts, and sudden swerves that lead to serious accidents. Cyclists risk crashing into them, while pedestrians may be struck by airborne debris launched by passing traffic.

Yet despite mounting visual evidence, Aggregate Industries continues to deny responsibility.

Not a One-Off: A Pattern of Negligence

This incident is far from isolated. Businesses in the area report a recurring pattern: rocks frequently appear on roads and pavements near Aggregate Industries' site. Staff from nearby premises have been collecting these rocks for months, if not years, as informal evidence of the ongoing problem.

During a recent visit from an Aggregate Industries representative, the company continued to reject any connection to the debris. Even when offered the chance to compare the collected stones with their own stockpile, they declined.

Empty Promises and Stalled Progress

Back in May 2023, Aggregate Industries announced they were working alongside Chelmsford City Council to resolve the issue. They claimed to have taken proactive steps to address it. But nearly two years later, little has changed. The road is still littered with stones, and businesses are still footing the bill for the damage.

For small businesses, the consequences go beyond inconvenience. Repair costs, missed appointments, and customer dissatisfaction can all affect their reputation and financial stability. These issues demand more than lip service—they require real action.

A Call for Accountability

Repeated appeals have been made to both Essex County Council and Aggregate Industries, urging them to implement meaningful solutions. But so far, these calls have gone unanswered.

The video now circulating online stands as undeniable evidence that the problem is real—and dangerous. It is time for Aggregate Industries to stop denying and start acting.

The public deserves safe roads. Businesses deserve protection from avoidable damage. And cyclists and pedestrians deserve to travel without fear.