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Hedges, Trees and Ditches
Hedges Hedges on rural roads are intended to provide a stockproof barrier for livestock. These hedges normally form the boundary of the highway and are the responsibility of the adjacent landowner. Where hedges are on highway land, the County Council's policy is to trim hedges on an as needs basis. In situations where the hedge is the responsibility of the landowner or householder the County Council will request that the necessary work is carried out to remove the danger. Trees The County Council has a responsibility to ensure that trees that are outside the highway boundary but within falling distance of the carriageway are safe. To comply with this our highway inspectors carry out scheduled safety inspections that include the identification of dangerous trees. The County Council's policy is to carry out maintenance work on an as needs basis, on trees that are their responsibility. In situations where trees form the boundary of the highway or are in adjacent land they are the responsibility of the landowner/householder. If these trees are identified as placing the safety of the highway user in jeopardy, the County Council will request that the necessary work is carried out to remove the danger.		Ditches Common Law imposes a duty on the occupier of land adjoining highways to maintain roadside ditches which provide natural drainage for both the land and the highway. The Highway Authority has a prescriptive right to drain the highway to adjoining ditches. In the majority of cases the responsibility for ditch maintenance lies with the adjacent landowner. The Highway Authority is responsible for stormwater run-off from the highways by regular maintenance and cleansing of gulleys (drains) and grips (drainage channels in verge). Report it Please report any problems which are the responsibility of the County Council online, by email CountyHighways@warwickshire.gov.uk or phone 01926 412515.