It is an offence to plough a roadside verge. We have a duty to prevent this happening and take action where ploughing, cultivation or encroachment of any sort has taken place.
Roadside hedges are the responsibility of the adjoining landowner. Modern methods of hedge trimming can reduce most of the cut material to small pieces that fall close to the hedge but the machinery operator needs to ensure there is no danger to the public from flying cuttings.
Where a hedge is considered to be an interference to the safe use of the highway, we may serve you with a formal notice requiring action.
Trees help to improve the environment and provide an excellent habitat for wildlife. However, landowners have a duty to ensure trees on their land do not pose a danger to others. Generally, trees growing on the boundary are the responsibility of the adjacent landowner rather than the highway authority.
Remember – you might need permission to lop a tree covered by a tree preservation order
We have the power under the Highways Act 1980 to require the owner of an overhanging hedge or tree to cut it back to the highway boundary within 14 days. If action is not taken, we may carry out the work and recharge the owner.
Unless agreed by the Highway Authority in advance, the planting of a tree less than 15ft from the centre of the road is prohibited, even if it replaces a tree that was even nearer. This applies whether the tree is on private land or in the highway.
The planting of trees in the highway verge can only be undertaken by parish or town councils, and then only under specific licence from the County Council.