There are approximately 48 lengthsmen working in Devon, who are usually local men employed by South West Highways Ltd, the County Council’s maintenance contractor, but the work they do is the responsibility of Devon County Council.

The lengthsman is equipped with a vehicle and power tools and typically visits each parish four times a year.  His duties include:

Clearing out ditches, drains, etc.
Hedge trimming to gain access to ditches, etc
Sign cleaning
Clearing of debris
Responding to emergencies, e.g. storm damage

For further information please select the Parish Lengthsman Guide (173KB - pdf help)