Help us keep the highway clear and safe to use
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This webpage outlines some of the dangers caused by hedges and trees overhanging the public highway and provides guidelines to help you understand why it’s important to ensure that your own hedges don’t cause an obstruction. It also outlines your responsibilities - and the Council’s - towards pedestrians and road users.
The cutting back of highway hedges and trees is the responsibility of the landowner or occupier on whose land the hedges and trees are growing. It is the responsibility of all landowners or occupiers to ensure that their hedges and trees do not interfere with the safe use of public footways and roadways or obscure street lights and road signs. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has a statutory duty to ensure that the highway is not obstructed. Even small overgrowths can be hazardous. |
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How can a hedge be a hazard?
Overgrown hedges next to footways and roads pose a real hazard to people.
People who are visually or mobility impaired or pushing a pram or buggy are particularly affected by vegetation that obstructs footways. However, all footway users can experience damage to their faces or clothes from thorns and branches – particularly at night.
Pedestrians might also be forced to step into the road.
The full width of footway must not be obstructed 365 days a year.
A person with a guide dog, riding a mobility scooter or pushing a child in a buggy must be able to use the full width of our footways whenever they want.
Pedestrians might also be forced to step into the road.
The full width of footway must not be obstructed 365 days a year.
A person with a guide dog, riding a mobility scooter or pushing a child in a buggy must be able to use the full width of our footways whenever they want.
What should I do?
Please check your hedges, shrubs and trees. Are they overhanging the footpath or boundary of your property? Are they affecting visibility for road users? If so, cut them back (or arrange to have them cut back) as soon as possible.
Even small overgrowths can be hazardous and can accelerate the deterioration of a road or pavement surface, by preventing it drying out and encouraging moss growth.
It is also a requirement that anything overhanging a footway must be at least 2.3m above the footway, cycleway, or verge and 5.3m above the road surface.
If for any reason you are unable to cut your hedge, please contact the Highways department of the Vale Council to explain your circumstances. It is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 to allow hedges, shrubs or trees to obstruct the highway – footways.
Even small overgrowths can be hazardous and can accelerate the deterioration of a road or pavement surface, by preventing it drying out and encouraging moss growth.
It is also a requirement that anything overhanging a footway must be at least 2.3m above the footway, cycleway, or verge and 5.3m above the road surface.
If for any reason you are unable to cut your hedge, please contact the Highways department of the Vale Council to explain your circumstances. It is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 to allow hedges, shrubs or trees to obstruct the highway – footways.
In Summary
- Hedges and other vegetation must always be clear of the footway and road.
- Hedges should be cut back from the footway & verges – so when they grow, they are not immediately obstructing the highway.
- Hedge cuttings must be removed from the footway.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your boundary with the highway to avoid creating an obstruction.
- Seek advice if you have any doubts.
Your Community Council is happy to discuss any problems with you.
[email protected]
For advice or to report vegetation obstructing the highway contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council:
01446 700111
[email protected]
