Hedge and stream inspections start this week

By law, hedges and trees bordering a public road must be cut back between the 1st and 15th of June and between the 15th and 30th of September each year in order that they do not overhang the public road up to the height of 12 ft from the road (where the road is ordinarily used by vehicular traffic) or 8 ft from the road (where the road is not ordinarily used by vehicular traffic).

The regulations also stipulate that all cuttings must be cleared immediately. It is the responsibility of the land owner to keep all hedges and trees trimmed and under control throughout the year, not just at inspection time.

Safety
So this week, douzeniers have to check to see that property owners have complied with the law so that people can walk or cycle in safety without getting snagged on brambles of other vegetation and that waterways are running freely.

The heavy rain earlier this month showed how important that is – an obstruction can easily cause flooding upstream causing damage to neighbouring properties.

Penalties can be imposed for non-compliance, which is why the parishes hope owners continue to be socially responsible and make sure they hit the relevant deadlines.

Please note that under the law, no period of grace is allowed, which is why the inspections start from the 15th onwards.