‘Cut It Back’ Safety Warning

LANDOWNERS responsible for hedges and trees which overhang the road or pavement are being urged to ‘cut it back’.

As nature begins to reawaken with the onset of spring, East Sussex County Council has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of overhanging vegetation.

The authority says overgrown trees and hedges can force people – particularly wheelchair users and parents with push chairs – into the road, putting their safety at risk.

Meanwhile vegetation which overhangs roads can cause a danger to motorists, especially to drivers of high-sided vehicles such as lorries or buses.

The Cut It Back campaign, being promoted through posters and social media, aims to raise awareness of the fact that maintenance of trees and hedges growing on private land is the responsibility of the property or landowner.

Roger Williams, East Sussex County Council head of highways, said: “Overhanging trees and hedges which are not properly maintained can cause a real danger to pedestrians and motorists.