GRASS cutting season is underway and Somerset County Council’s contractors are out and about keeping verges in check and road users safe.

Each year more than 9,400km of roadside verge in Somerset is cut - that’s almost the distance from Taunton to Tokyo.

The operation presents a challenge for the council’s highways team as a balance must be found between promoting habitat creation and protecting wildlife, and the overall safety of all road users.

CLICK HERE: Map showing when grass verges are being cut across Somerset.

Most highway verges are only cut to a width of one metre, though some stretches can be cut back beyond that if there is a need to improve visibility for motorists at specific junctions.

As well as ensuring visibility it also helps the flow of water along road channels and provides a safe area for pedestrians where there is no pavement.

The cutting programme started in May and is due to be completed in September, depending on the seasonal growing conditions.

The routes in which experienced higher volumes of traffic are cut first.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Safety is the priority and the grass cutting programme is extremely important during the summer months to ensure visibility for road users.

“However, we work hard to balance the need to keep people safe while aiming to protect and encourage wildlife as much as possible.

“Our teams have a timetable which covers the network, but if members of the public do spot an immediate problem caused by an overgrown verge, they can report it online.”

WHEN ARE VERGES BEING CUT?

  • 1st cut A and B roads (including junction visibility splays and sight lines), May 10-June 4 (dependant on rate of growth);
  • C and unclassified roads (including junction visibility splays and sight lines), June 7-July 30 (depending on rate of growth);
  • 2nd cut A and B roads (including junction visibility splays and sight lines) August 27 (depending on rate of growth);
  • Environmentally protected sites, late August/early September (depending on rate of growth).

Note - the dates listed above may be subject to change due to weather or any unforeseen events.

If you need to report an overgrown verge or hedge you can do so HERE.