Verge cutting information and maintenance standards in Devon
The management of Devon’s highway verge is divided into two distinct programmes:
- rural – for roads with speed limits of 40mph and above
- urban areas – for roads with speed limits of 30mph and below
Why do we cut grass?
We undertake cuts to maintain safety. This means ensuring drivers have suitable visibility, so you will notice that most of our cuts will be around areas such as junctions, laybys and the inside of bends.
What is the frequency of cuts?
- Rural roads on the priority network, such as A and B class roads, are cut 2-3 times a year.
- Other non-priority rural roads are cut once a year.
- Grass-cutting in visibility areas with a speed restriction of 40 MPH and under (referred to in our policy as “urban” roads) is undertaken up to four times a year, sometimes by district and town/parish councils using a contribution from Devon County Council.
The city and district councils may cut additional vegetation in their area.
When do we cut grass?
Our grass cutting season started in May. You will see us on the network between May and September.
How do we cut grass?
A tractor with a flail mower will do the main cutting, followed by a strimmer team to tidy around signs and posts.
For more information, please see our frequently asked questions section:
- Why wasn’t a particular verge or vegetation cut?
Devon County Council has 4,150 miles of verges. Within this programme, we will only cut back vegetation that meets our safety policy. If a verge is not cut, it may not meet the criteria or may be privately owned.
- What about wildlife?
We will only cut back vegetation that poses a safety issue and endeavour to minimise the impact to wildlife.
To find out more please visit our Life on the Verge in Devon page
Road verges are a vital refuge for wildlife including many plants, birds, mammals and insects. Sensitive management is required if we want to maintain verges as wildflower habitats. We are encouraging communities to work together to manage their verges for wildlife.
- How can I get vegetation cut?
If you believe vegetation is causing a safety issue, please report this using our report a problem page. This will be inspected and if it meets our safety intervention criteria, we will contact the vegetation owner and ask them to cut it back. If the vegetation is Devon County Council’s, we will ask our contractors to cut it back.
You can find out more at our overgrown vegetation page.
- Why do we use beacons?
The beacons are a legal requirement to help keep our workforce and road users safe.
- Will there be noise?
We aim to minimise disruption, but some noise is unavoidable. Since the work is mobile, the noise will only last for a brief time before moving on.
- Can I make a claim?
Devon County Council will not process claims damage caused by contractors carrying out grass-cutting or for any noise or light pollution as explained here: Claims We Do Not Process
- What is the guidance for Parish Or Town Council representatives?
If your parish or town council is interested in having more control over local grass-cutting, we may be able to support you to procure and manage the work yourself and provide a financial contribution. Please contact grasscutting@devon.gov.uk to get more information or if you have an interest or questions relating to this support.
If you are interested in undertaking local community self-help, please see further guidance here
- How are weeds managed?
Please visit our dedicated webpage here