Oxford motorists complain about 'dangerous' overgrown grass

Householders at Preachers Lane in Oxford are saying they are not able to see oncoming traffic pulling out of the estate because "the grass is so overgrown".

Mum Carleen Wells, who has family and friends near the junction, said: "Pulling in and out is an absolute nightmare.

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"The council is basically saying they are not going to do anything and will continue getting it cut twice a year.

"They may have an accident on their hands."

The grass verge in question. (Image: Contribution.)

"I've pulled out and nearly had numerous accidents this week alone.

"I've had to break quite sharpish with my elderly mother in the car because the grass is so overgrown."

Ms Wells said many residents on the estate were disgruntled with the grass verges and that she had contacted the city council who said the county council were responsible for regular maintenance.

The city council says grass verges near junctions are not part of the authority's twice-a-year cutting schedule and trimmed "when necessary for visibility and safety".

A spokesman added: "Grass verges that are located by junctions are cut all year round to ensure visibility and safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians at highways junctions.

"While we aim to monitor all junctions for visibility, we encourage residents to also report any concerns about visibility using FixMyStreet.

Grass verges on the estate. (Image: Contribution.)

"The team at ODS will be going out to assess and trim this verge."

A county council spokesman said: "Last year, we updated our maintenance policy to prioritise biodiversity where possible. This impacted on when, how, and how often we cut in some locations.

"It also put greater emphasis on keeping cycleways and footpaths clear from excessive vegetation growth.  We only plan to cut once a year, but we will cut as often as is necessary to ensure visibility is maintained at junctions where visibility is identified as a safety concern."

City councillor for the Hinksey Park ward Naomi Waite said she had gone down to have a look at the grass verge.

Naomi Waite. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

The Labour representative added: "We're conscious the reduction in verge mowing has been a highly contentious issue across the city.

"Following feedback from residents last year the Labour led Oxford City Council funded an additional annual verge cut after the County Council reduced the cutting to once a year.

"The Blackfriars/Thames Street junction has already been identified as needing further mowing and we take these recent complaints very seriously.

"We wouldn't ever risk the safety of our residents and will raise this with officers urgently."

Meanwhile Labour county councillor for the area, Brad Baines, has said concerns have been raised with him about the verges and that he will continue to chase responsible authorities to ensure they are "cut back without delay".