Following an incident where a pedestrian was knocked down due to overgrown shrubs, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has called for councils and motorists to play their part in preventing accidents caused by overgrown trees and hedges.
A little publicised legal decision last month [Yetkin v Mahmood and Another] has emphasised the responsibility of councils to keep foliage clear, maintaining good sightlines and road safety.
Views of a pedestrian crossing were obscured by foliage, and the claimant sued the driver and the London Borough of Newham as the highway authority.
IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: “At this time of year the issue is at its height, with road signs all over the UK being obscured by foliage, and little or no indication of any maintenance work being done.
“While the IAM would expect a driver to take account of the obstruction to their view, and encourage all road users to look for clues other than traffic markings, the council is legally obliged to keep signs and crossings well visible, and this case should serve as a reminder to both drivers and to local authorities.”
