Monday, 20 July 2015
The Cutting of Road Side Hedges and the Law
- New legislation allows the Commissioners to cut hedges on all adopted minor highways in the Parish - the exception being the main A2 Coast Road which remains with DoI. This is part of central government's desire to pass costs from taxation on to the rates, but it allows opportunity for local authorities to provide a local service more efficiently and more effectively. Other charges will be transferred in this manner in the future.
- Tynwald legislation makes clear that roadside hedges are the responsibility of the landowner; notwithstanding this the Commissioners have legal powers to cut hedges and to charge the landowner where appropriate.
- The Wildlife Act forbids the cutting of hedges prior to September the 1st, however, cutting can take place for reasons of road safety (this is currently occurring on the A15 from Maughold Village to Ballajora Chapel for this reason).Until 1st September, the Commissioners will only cut hedge rows where road safety is an issue, particularly at junctions and on bus routes, etc.
- The Commissioners are also responsible for other highway services on minor roads: gulley pot cleaning, road sweeping and weed spraying.
- For further details contact the clerk on 422148 / maughold@manx.net. Your comments will assist us in delivering a better service in the future.