City residents were reminded to cut back foliage from pavements and roads to ensure people have a clear route to get past – particularly for those in wheelchairs, mobility scooters, using pushchairs, or are elderly or have impaired vision.
This summer’s weather has provided the perfect growing conditions for shrubs, hedges, and trees to thrive across the region.
However, with that comes the issue of growth causing an obstruction to footpaths which can impede or even injure pedestrians.
Homeowners have a legal responsibility to make sure there are no overhanging trees, hedges and other shrubbery, or plants.
You should take action to cut back foliage if:
• Your hedge/shrub restricts the width of the pavement;
• People are being forced to walk at the edge of the footpath or the road;
• Trees on your land overhang a footpath or road.
Aberdeen City Council chief officer operations Mark Reilly said: “We’re reminding residents they have a legal responsibility to ensure pavements and roads are kept free from overhanging foliage. Our own staff are also doing the same for areas we are responsible for.
“Plants will naturally continue to grow until the first frosts so folk are reminded to keep cutting back foliage which hangs over pavements and roads.”
Aberdeen City Council parks and gardens staff are undertaking the same work for the city’s public green spaces. Other staff are checking for overhanging foliage on other pavements and roads around the city as part of ACC’s responsibilities as a landowner as part of regular checks.