Service Description: Trees / hedges that overhang a highway or any other road or footpath to which the public has access is covered by Section 154 of the Highways Act. If the hedge / tree endangers or obstructs the passage of vehicles or pedestrians, or obstructs or interferes with the view of drivers of vehicles or the light from a public lamp, a competent authority may, by notice either to the owner of the hedge, tree or shrub or to the occupier of the land on which it is growing, require him within 14 days from the date of service of the notice so to lop or cut it as to remove the cause of the danger, obstruction or interference. If the works are not undertaken by the landowner, the Council can legally reclaim costs incurred for cutting back trees and hedges. Landowners may be liable to pay compensation due to damage caused to people by trees or hedges on private land. Always check for nesting birds before beginning any trimming.
Also known as:- Overhanging Hedges, Overhanging Trees, Overhanging Vegetation, Trees - Overhanging, Vegetation - Overhanging
Answer: The maintenance of hedges that front the public highway are the responsibility of the owner of the land abutting the highway. This may be a private householder, a farmer, a company or the Council. Overgrown hedges cause safety problems to highway users, obstructing sight lines and causing potentially hazardous obstructions. The Council maintains a small number of hedges on Council land adjacent to the highway. These hedges are cut once a year in October. All cuttings are removed from the pavement and/or road by the contractor after cutting. Hedge cutting is carried out on the Councils behalf by Wyevale Grounds Maintenance. - Related Link