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

The council is reminding people that most roadside vegetation is the responsibility of the landowner and needs regular pruning to keep it within property boundaries.

Overgrown trees and hedges can be dangerous for both road users and pedestrians.

If overgrown vegetation, including hedges, trees and other plants, is noted by the Highway Steward during road or footpath inspections, or if a complaint is received, landowners will be asked to cut it back.

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, said: “If you own land next to a road, please remember you are responsible for maintaining any trees or hedges that overhang the highway, including those that may be dead, dying, or diseased.

“Overhanging branches can pose a serious risk to road users with motorists and cyclists being forced into the centre of the road to avoid them. Overgrown hedges can cause pedestrians to step off the pavement into the road, endangering both them and other road users.

“We would urge residents to be aware of any vegetation on their land that may cause an obstruction and to cut it back.”

All vegetation should be a minimum of 50cm from the edge of the road, and pavements should be kept completely clear.

September to February is the best time to prune hedges and tree branches, to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

If a hedge is putting people at risk the council may request that it is cut back at any time, even during the bird nesting season, with care taken not to disturb any nests.

Cllr Dowling continued: “To avoid disturbing bird nests, it is best to prune hedges and trees that grow over a pavement or road outside of the bird nesting season, and we would ask residents to make this part of their annual garden maintenance.”

Hedges and trees on highway land are managed by the Highways team.

More information on how the council manages highway vegetation and the responsibilities of landowners is available on the East Sussex Highways website – https://live.eastsussexhighways.com/services/services-vegetation