Issue - meetings

To give consideration to the proposed Highway Routine Maintenance Operational Policies.

Consideration was given to the draft routine highway maintenance policies for:

• Highway Tree Maintenance and Inspections
• Highway Verge Maintenance
• Highway Weed Control
• Highway Hedge Maintenance
• Highway Surface Water

It was noted that, resulting from the highways maintenance procurement contract, there would be more area based workings with stewards being responsible for certain areas.

With regard to the Highway Verge Maintenance Policy, it was noted that the current height of the vegetation is kept between 12 and 75mm, however this would be increased to between 25 and 100mm. It was also noted that the works would be completed as and when required and therefore the policy would not specify how often the verges would be cut.

With regard to the Highway Weed Control Policy, it was agreed that works would need to be closely monitored to ensure that the policy was adhered to and that the dead weeds should be removed.

With regard to dangerous trees it was noted that there were currently no proposals to replace the trees, however this was something that could be investigated.

RESOLVED

That the Portfolio Holder for Environment be recommended to approve the policies subject to the comments highlighted above.