Brits have been warned by a vehicle financing firm that they could face a hefty fine if they have a hedge which is overgrowing into the road – and it’s best to sort it now
Brits are being warned to trim their hedges or risk fines of up to £1,000.
Graham Conway, managing director of vehicle financing firm Select Car Leasing, said: “The damp, humid start to summer means hedges, bushes, trees, grass and other foliage are running rampant, taking advantage of the inclement conditions to enjoy rapid growth.
“That’s great for wildlife, including our bees, but not so great for motorists having to crane their neck at junctions to get a view of incoming traffic or who can’t see cars approaching a roundabout because there’s a green screen in the way.”
Mr Conway explained that overgrown hedges can be a road safety hazard, adding: “I’d urge all UK motorists to be hyper vigilant right now, and throughout the summer months. If you can’t get a clear view of traffic at a junction, don’t be tempted to simply pull out and risk it. If you can, try to reposition your car so that you get a better view before proceeding with caution.”
Under the Highways Act of 1980, homeowners could be fined for obstructing the highway. If a hedge, tree or shrub poses a risk or blocks a public way, affecting vehicles, pedestrians, visibility for drivers, or light from street lamps, the Highway Authority has the power to demand immediate action. Those responsible are given a strict two-week deadline to address the issue, reports Birmingham Live.
The legislation states: “Where a hedge, tree or shrub overhangs a highway or any other road or footpath to which the public has access so as to endanger or obstruct the passage of vehicles or pedestrians, or obstructs or interferes with the view of drivers of vehicles or the light from a public lamp, or overhangs a highway so as to endanger or obstruct the passage of horse-riders, a competent authority may, by notice either to the owner of the hedge, tree or shrub or to the occupier of the land on which it is growing, require him within 14 days from the date of service of the notice so to lop or cut it as to remove the cause of the danger, obstruction or interference.”
