00642 Verges Booklet - Devon County Council

This approach also concords with the
recommendations contained in the National Code
of Practice “Well Maintained Highways”. (R 15.8)
With ever increasing demands being made on the
highway network it is important that effective
management techniques are employed to
preserve and enhance the environment and to
ensure the safe and convenient movement of the
travelling public. Managing the highway network
to provide Best Value for the people of Devon is
paramount to achieving the overall aims of the
County Council.
The County Council assesses all types of
highway maintenance work in accordance with
its Environmental Audit Procedures. This
includes the programme’s impact on waste,
noise and air quality as well as the historic and
natural environments and takes account of
the Biodiversity Action Plan.
Devon’s Best Value Review of Highway Maintenance commenced in
November 2001 and extensive consultation with users indicated a
general satisfaction with verge maintenance and weed treatment.
However, concern was expressed by some parish councils with hedge
cutting and the Council’s objectives and procedures have been further
clarified in this document.
Further information on the Councils objectives
and general highway maintenance within Devon
can be found in Devon County Council’s
Highway Maintenance Strategic Plan.
(ii) Devon’s Road Network
The County Council has an extensive highway
network comprising 12,780 kilometres of road
and 5,700 kilometres of public rights of way.
There is a duty to maintain this infrastructure to