Verges
The majority of grass verges adjacent to roads are within the public highway and therefore come under the responsibility of the Council as Highway Authority.
Grass Cutting
Grass verges are the responsibility of Hertfordshire County Council. Currently they provide funding to Welwyn Hatfield Council to cut the grass six times a year and Welwyn Hatfield Council funds any additional cuts. Grass cutting is carried out for highway safety reasons rather than environmental purposes, for example it is particularly important at road junctions that visibility is clear for motorists and pedestrians.
In rural areas, a number of grass verges have rare or endangered species of flora/fauna and here the grass cutting regime is tailored to suit.
The council arranges grass cutting via our contractors, Serco, and funding is allocated annually to ensure that grass cutting is continued throughout the growing season. For more information please see the grass cutting page.
Verge maintenance/damage
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for verge maintenance. They provide Welwyn Hatfield Council with funding for the work that they would like us to carry out. This work is usually to repair verge damage caused by utility companies and does not include wear and tear from vehicle parking.
Welwyn Hatfield Council attempt to minimise grass verge damage by operating a byelaw. The byelaw is effective when a council officer/warden witnesses someone driving up onto the verge and parking. Unfortunately it does not cover driving over pavements, or cars parked on the grass without a driver present.
To report damage to grass verges or to request preventative measures, for example posts or post and rail fencing please contact Hertfordshire Highways. The Highways contact centre at Hertfordshire County Council can be reached on 01438 737320, or by using the link above.
Litter, abandoned cars and fly tipping on verges is generally the responsibility of Welwyn Hatfield Council.