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Children and Young Peoples Services

Services for Adults on the Isle of Wight

Hedges - Overhanging


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

Your FAQ

Question: What can be done to ensure that non-council maintained hedges are kept correctly?

Answer: It is the Councils responsibility to maintain the safety of the highway network and to ensure that landowners responsible for any hedges bordering the highway maintain them to avoid problems. In many cases landowners are not aware of their responsibilities for maintaining hedges. When the Council becomes aware of a hedge requiring maintenance an “Overhanging Hedge Notice” is served on the landowner or occupier under the Highways Act 1980. This gives the landowner 14 days to undertake the necessary maintenance work. In the event that the maintenance is not carried out and that no contact has been made with the Council, the Council may carry out the work itself and recharge the landowner.

Whether landowners cut the hedges themselves or use a contractor to carryout the work, all debris resulting from cutting the hedge must be removed from both the pavement and the road and the work must be carried out in a safe manner which does not put themselves or other road users in danger. If you are in any doubt about necessary signing and guarding whilst undertaking works on the highway please contact us on 823774.


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