Cutting of grass verges in North Yorkshire to be reduced
The county council say it's to improve biodiversity and is not part of budget cuts
North Yorkshire's grass verges are set to get a bit more overgrown on rural roads.
Officials claim it isn't down to budgeting, which was blamed for mowing cutbacks seven years ago.
Instead, the county council say it's to try and improve biodiversity.
Wild plant conservation charity Plantlife had advised the authority on ways it could improve biodiversity alongside the county’s 5,753 miles of roads.
The trial will take place on rural roads with a speed limit above 40mph.
Councillor Don Mackenzie said:
“I have for a long time been very sympathetic to less cutting of verges. We get residents who complain to us that verges are looking untidy, but untidiness in the countryside can be better for wildlife. The ecological background to this is an important factor in our decisions.
“Road safety is always the number one priority of a highways authority, but the cutting of grass at junctions to guarantee sight lines is something we have never compromised on. If we can narrow the width of what we cut and if we can cut less often then that could be very good for wildlife.
“I would not wish to see paths being obstructed. We need to be doing more to help pedestrians, not less, so if there is a threat to footpaths being overgrown and impassable due to excessive growth or grass, shrubs or bushes, clearly that would be wrong.”