49.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.
DECISIONS
49.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to:
(1) Agree to offer a reduced number of cuts for grass verges in rural areas;
(2) Agree the proposed updates to the Highway Verges and Vegetation Policy; and
(3) Agree that single track lanes, with the exception of wildlife verges, will continue to be excluded in any reduced rural grass cutting because of safety concerns along narrow roads.
REASONS
49.3 Overall, the trial has been well received, with feedback each year being taken onboard, and appropriate changes made, such as the exclusion of single-track lanes.
49.4 The trial has successfully included 618 miles (out of a total of 1,790 miles) of rural verges managed for biodiversity reasons.