Landowners encouraged to cut vegetation ahead of bird nesting season

Unkept trees, hedges, and ditches can quickly become a safety hazard if not maintained.

Landowners are being reminded that trees, hedges, ditches and other vegetation close to highways needs to be maintained before bird nesting season begins.

Overgrown vegetation can prevent roads and paths from being safe by blocking paths and restricting the view of the highway.

Landowners are responsible for maintaining foliage on their land, even if it is close to a road or pavement. They have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent risk.

Overgrown vegetation can restrict paths, reduce sight, and cause floods when ditches and drains become clogged.

It is important to cut back vegetation at this time of year, before the bird nesting season arrives.

Landowners should carry out work such as:

• remove overhanging branches that obscure the view of the road
• remove overhanging branches that lower the road's clearance for tall vehicles, such as double-decker school buses
• trim or remove trees that are in danger of falling onto the pavement or road

Essex Highways’ has cleared a total of 95 hedges it is responsible for this financial year.

Overgrown vegetation which is Essex Highways responsibility can be reported using the Tell Us tool: www.essexhighways.org/tell-us. It will then be inspected.