Who is responsible for cutting overhanging vegetation?
Roadside hedges are the property of the adjacent houseowner or
landowner, and it is this person who has the absolute duty to keep
their hedge properly cut so that it does not obstruct normal use of
the road. In legal terms, no roadside hedge or tree should overgrow
such that it extends forward of the established highway boundary.
No hedge should be allowed to get in the way of pedestrians,
cyclists or vehicles, nor should it block visibility where a
sight-line has been provided at a junction or bend. A verge is
considered part of the public highway and so should not be
obstructed. The same applies to footways and the roadway.
The Council is responsible for maintaining vegetation on
Council owned land.
What if the vegetation juts out over a road?
Individual trees which are growing in the verge will be
maintained to stop them causing an obstruction, and in the
interests of safety. Trees are an important feature of the
environment, so the presumption is that they will be left as they
are unless they become dangerous.
What should I do if I notice an overgrown hedge that is causing
problems?
What will Hampshire County Council Highways do?
The local Highways Manager will inspect the location within a
few days of a report of overhanging vegetation. If the degree of
overgrowth warrants it, he will contact the owner to ask for a
trimming to be done. A formal Hedge Cutting Notice (requiring the
work to be undertaken) will be issued if the owner cannot
immediately be found or if he or she declines to act.