Status unknown
Overgrown hedge
Reported via desktop in the Pavements/footpaths category anonymously at 10:42, Tue 12 July 2022
Sent to Hampshire County Council less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 3669880.
The hedge in King Georges avenue although undoubtably well maintained now covers half the width of the pavement or more.The authorities need to request that hedges are kept to boundaries or they will undertake to have the work done at the owners expense.
Updates
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No visible improvement.
Posted anonymously at 13:30, Wed 10 August 2022
Still open, via questionnaire -
The footpath is significantly narrowed by hedgerows and is frequently further obstructed by bims, pavement parked vehicles even high pressure window cleaning hoses strewn over metres of footpath. These can represent a serious hazard.So far there seems to have been no attempt to deal with this issue which is increasing across the town. For the avoidance of doubt some helpful notes follow. The Law There is a significant amount of legislation, regulations and guidance which are relevant to blind and partially sighted people’s access to the street environment.
Keeping the streets clear Under the Highways Act 1980 it is the duty of the highway authority to assert and protect the rights of the public to use and enjoy the highway (the term ‘highway’ in this instance meaning pavements). They also have a duty to prevent obstruction to the highway (again this means keeping streets clear!).
So streets should be kept clear of obstacles and clutter, enabling people to walk along them without any problems.
Section 154 of the Highways Act enables local authorities to require the owners or occupiers of land to remove overhanging branches and hedges which cause an obstruction or inconvenience to pedestrians. Local Authorities will also be liable for any damage/injury resulting from overhanging branches etc as a result of the law relating to nuisance where they are aware (or ought reasonably to have been aware) of the nuisance or danger caused by the branches.
Providing accessible information to all The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for public authorities, including highways authorities, to discriminate in the exercise of a public function. They also have a duty to make reasonable adjustments including changing practices, policies and procedures which have a discriminating effect and to take reasonable steps to enable disabled people to avoid substantial disadvantages caused by physical features. The Act also requires local authorities to provide information that is accessible for everyone.
What we think should happen Local authorities should explore the following options, with blind and partially sighted people for inclusion in their ‘street charter’:
• Set up accessible ways for blind and partially sighted people to report overgrown shrubbery and branches. • Act swiftly upon these reports by alerting the residents or taking action if it is a council owned property. • Run awareness campaigns to encourage residents to be considerate in managing their shrubbery and trees.
For more information contact Please visit www.rnib.org.uk/onmystreet for access to more information and resources.
RNIB have Regional Campaign Officers all over England (and campaigns teams in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales).
Tel: 020 7391 2123 Email: campaigns@rnib.org.uk Twitter: www.twitter.com/RNIB_campaigns
Posted anonymously at 19:39, Fri 9 September 2022
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Still open, via questionnaire, 19:41, Fri 9 September 2022
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