Trees and Bushes

There are a number of points around the area where pedestrians have to duck or move out, possibly into the road, in order to avoid private hedges, trees or shrubs that have been allowed to overhang the footpath. This is especially hazardous for elderly people, or the blind, and action, as outlined below, has already been taken in several cases.

It is illegal to allow hedges, trees or shrubs in private gardens to overhang a footpath and endanger or obstruct the passage of pedestrians. Should the householders not voluntarily cut back that vegetation then Hertfordshire Highways, as the competent authority under the Highways Act 1980, may serve a notice on the owner or occupier requiring them to lop or prune the obstructing hedge, tree or shrub within 14 days. If the work isn’t done then Hertfordshire Highways may carry out the work and recover the cost from the owner or occupier.

Please take steps to lop or prune any trees, hedges or shrubs that overhang eh footpath in such a way that pedestrians are obstructed. Should anyone wish to report an obstruction to Hertfordshire Highways they may do it online at http://www.hertsdirect.org/actweb/hfr/default.cfm or by calling 01923 471320.

The views on this website are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the R&DRA Committee as a whole.