Decision details

Decision to be taken on the future weed maintenance techniques for East Sussex highways. Information will be provided on the alternative to Glyphosate weed maintenance trials that took place in 2023, including Volunteer, reactive and Road Sweeping.

48.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

48.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) conclude the alternative weed maintenance trials, noting the feedback, outcomes and challenges;

(2) agree to continue the use of Glyphosate as weed maintenance on the public highway until a suitable alternative or additional funding becomes available; and

(3) agree to provide the option for residents to opt into a volunteer maintenance scheme or District, Borough, Parish or Town Councils to take on weed maintenance through a local agreement.

REASONS

48.3     The Council notes the concerns of Councillors and residents relating to the continued use of Glyphosate and are committed to finding an alternative means of controlling weed growth, however the Authority must also meet its statutory duty to maintain a safe and useable highway network.

48.4     At the present time, there is no alternative solution that can be effectively used to treat weeds over a highway network of over 1,900 miles of road channels and footways.