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Highways information online

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Welcome to Highways Info Online where you can find up to date Highways information and news around seasonal topics. We have answers to your most frequently asked questions and have made it easy for you to report Highways problems on line.

Sign up for regular updates about our highway activity and other latest information on our Twitter page at www.twitter.com/surreytravel

Cutting back roadside hedges and trees

Private householders in residential areas (or farmers in rural areas) own the majority of hedges alongside the public highway. It is the responsibility of the private owner to ensure that trees or hedges are not overhanging or creeping onto the highway.

Overgrown hedges can cause many problems for road users ranging from obscuring visibility at junctions to inconveniencing pedestrians walking along pavements and footpaths. The county council is required by law to ensure that the highway remains unobstructed to avoid these problems.

Please check the hedges and trees from your property regularly during the growing season. The breeding season for nesting birds’ is March to August, and you may find that birds have already taken up residence in a hedge or tree. If you notice any birds or find a new nest you may wish to contact us for advice beforehand.

Guidance on cutting back trees and hedges is available on

Useful links for Spring and Summer:

Insurance claims against the Council

Members of the public who think they may have an insurance claim or otherwise against Surrey County Council should complete the Insurance Service feedback form with the details.


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  • Updated: 19 Apr 2013
  • John Pateman
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Permalink: http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/?a=184981