Local residents with overhanging trees along roadsides and sidewalks are being notified to trim them back or face paying a bill that runs $1,000 per hour for Public Works crews to do it.
A Ministry spokeswoman said notices will be sent out for residents to take the necessary steps to trim back their vegetation.
Failure to do so will result in work crews from Public Works will doing the work at the owner’s expense.
“The current charge for the crew and vehicles to carry out this work is $1,000 per hour,” she said.
“While the highways section’s road sweeping teams make every effort to clear overhanging foliage and vegetation on roads, particularly after storms and heavy rain, overhanging vegetation is normally the responsibility of the adjoining landowner.
“In fact, the Ministry notes that overhanging vegetation is a violation as outlined under Sections 9 and 10 of the Public Lands Act 1984.
“Overhanging trees and hedges cause health and safety issues including obstructed visibility, damage to vehicles and injury to pedestrians, pedal-cyclists, bike riders and waste collection personnel.”
