Controlling weeds
Our weed treatment programme, covering 244 parishes, resumed on 17 October 2024, with the goal of completing the second round of treatment by the end of November. This programme addresses weed growth, which can pose safety risks if left unmanaged.
Based the Highways and Transport Committee’s decision to reintroduce the planned chemical weed treatment programme earlier this year, a consultation was conducted to determine whether parishes wanted to be part of the chemical weed treatment programme. The consultation received 162 responses from parish, town, city, and district councils across Cambridgeshire.
The treatment is scheduled twice a year in built-up areas within 40mph zones or lower. While some communities expressed a preference for reducing chemical treatments, many supported a more proactive approach. Six areas—Cambridge City Council, Caxton, Duxford, Lolworth, Morborne, and Girton Parish Councils—chose to opt out of the chemical weed treatment programme.
Chemical weed treatments are applied directly to weeds growing in road gullies and along the back of footways adjacent to buildings, walls, or fences. Typically, it takes three to five weeks for the treatment to fully take effect, after which the district councils deploy their road sweepers to clear away the dead vegetation.
This second round of treatment is especially important as it helps reduce the number of established weeds ahead of the warmer months. By controlling weeds now, we can significantly decrease the amount of growth at the start of the next growing season, making it easier to manage and ensuring safer, cleaner highways.
We will continue to monitor weed growth, and any areas with excessive growth will be treated accordingly.
Below is the detailed list of parishes receiving treatment, which will be regularly reviewed and updated.
How does the council deal with weeds?
Chemical weed treatment is applied directly to any weeds in the gullies of roads and at the back of footways abutting a building, wall, or fence line. A period of about three to five weeks is typically required for the weed treatment to take effect. Subsequently, road sweepers are deployed to remove dead weeds from the gullies. In cases where weeds persist at the back of footways, we will work with district councils' street cleansing teams and our own contractors to ensure any persistent weeds are removed.
Do you spray treatment on weeds growing on private land?
We will not apply treatment where private land. such as lawns and shrub/flower beds, meets the footway.
Do you go out in all weathers?
If rain is forecast we will not carry out treatment on that day as the treatment needs time to dry on the plant to take full effect. The weed treatment schedule is weather-dependent, and the schedule published is subject to change. However, we will make every endeavour to keep to the published timetable as we appreciate how vital the weed treatment programme is.
How can I report weed growth in my area?
You can report any issues relating to weed growth to the Green Infrastructure team by emailing greeninfrastructure@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or by using our Highways Reporting Tool, reports received through this tool will be assessed within 10 working days.
We appreciate your assistance and cooperation to keep weed growth under control.
What can I do to prevent weed growth?
Weeds grow in the debris that builds up on the side the road next to the gullies. With regular sweeping the debris does not build up and the weeds have less chance of surviving. If you can keep the section of kerb outside of your property clear of debris by sweeping, this will help us to reduce the amount of herbicides we need to use.
What impact does the chemical weed treatment have on the environment?
It is important to note that the assessment of the environmental impact of specific chemicals is complex and subject to ongoing scientific research and regulatory evaluation. The county council consider all points raised regarding the use of herbicide. We consult with relevant experts and regulatory bodies and make informed decisions on the use of chemical weed spraying, taking into account both the benefits of weed control and the potential environmental risks.
