Emergency cleansing teams from Sefton Council remain on scene in Bootle after an oil spillage on Monday afternoon that prompted lane and carriageway closures and travel disruption across the town.
Immediate impact and traffic advice
Photographs from the scene show one lane closed on Balliol Road with sand spread across the carriageway where the spill is believed to have occurred. Sand is commonly used to absorb oil to restore grip for motorists; it is later swept away once it is safe to do so.
"We are aware of a hazard on the highway on Balliol Road. There are lane closures on Derby Road and eastbound road closure of Millers Bridge. We encourage motorists to find alternative routes through Bootle until the carriageway is cleared. We have dispatched our specialist cleansing teams to remove all materials to ensure the road is safe to reopen as soon as possible."
The council said its teams were working at the site to make the carriageway safe to reopen as soon as possible. Motorists were asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes while clearance work is underway.
Local context and previous incidents
This is the latest in a series of similar events in the area. In recent years there have been multiple spillages affecting Millers Bridge Road, Derby Road and long stretches of Balliol Road, sometimes leaving visible contamination along extended lengths of carriageway and leading to closures that lasted several days.
Notable past incidents include a 2022 event when approximately 2,000 gallons of vegetable oil were spilled on Millers Bridge, causing severe delays and prolonged closures.
What drivers and residents need to know
- Expect delays and local diversions around Balliol Road, Derby Road and Millers Bridge while crews work.
- Use alternative routes through Bootle where possible and follow any temporary signage or instructions from traffic officers.
- Do not drive through areas where sand has been laid over the carriageway until they have been cleared; residual material can affect braking distances.
Sefton Council’s hazardous cleansing teams typically spread absorbent material to neutralise contaminants and then remove that material once it has done its work. Leaving sand and absorbent residue on the road can itself be a hazard, which is why sweep-up operations follow the initial response.
| Affected road | Reported status |
|---|---|
| Balliol Road | Lane closure; sand covering carriageway |
| Derby Road | Lane closures in place |
| Millers Bridge (eastbound) | Closed eastbound |
Local drivers should allow extra time for journeys and consult local traffic updates before setting out. The council has not provided a precise reopening time; crews are working to remove all hazardous material and restore safe road conditions.
Further updates will be issued by Sefton Council and local traffic reporting services as the situation develops.
