Maintenance of Highway Verges

Grass Cutting

Our operations team is responsible for cutting grass verges within the Borough on behalf of Hampshire County Council (Hampshire Highways South Department).

Urban roads

We cut the grass using ride on grass cutting equipment with flail cutters. They are designed to mulch as much of the cuttings as possible to reduce the amount left behind. We try to leave cuttings on the verges and don't remove any left on the highway or pavements. The verges are cut from mid March to early November on a continuous two-three week cycle. We treat weeds with glyphosate herbicide annually and, from April, use strimmers to cut grass banks approximately every six weeks.

Rural Roads

On rural roads, we cut a one-metre width of grass twice a year. Grass next to footpaths is cut one metre each side of the pathway twice a year. Additional width cutting is carried out when signs are present on the grass verges so that visibility is maintained. All sight lines are cut where practicable 100 metres either side of the junction.

Shrub beds

We prune shrub beds once a year in winter and in the summer to remove overhanging vegetation from roads and paths.

Hedges

We cut hedges twice a year where they form part of the maintainable highway. The first cut is in July and the second starts in July and finishes in December. This is done to avoid the peak spring and early summer bird nesting season. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to disturb nesting birds. Hedges are usually cut using a flail type cutter, with the tops either flat or snow topped as needed. Hedge bases are cut back and cleared at the same time.

Bedding displays

Our operations team maintains hanging baskets and troughs that we provide along the highway corridors in the Borough. It also maintains all floral displays on roundabouts. Baskets, troughs and displays are watered in the evening and early morning to reduce disruption during the day and to conserve water.

If you would like any more information, please contact Customer Services on 01329 236100 or customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk.