Hampshire weed patrol goes out on its once-a-year spray after hot weather growth spurt

Hampshire County Council said its h ighways teams are setting out across the county and that already this summer, nearly 18,500 sq m of invasive weeds have been sprayed.

It comes after the county council halved its spraying schedule to one visit a year to save costs '“ causing weeds to grow unchecked across the region. This round of spraying counts as the council's  '˜one spray per year'. 

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at the council said: '˜Our highways teams cut grass and treat weeds once a year, although overgrown vegetation affecting sight lines and safety on the roads is always dealt with as an emergency, and I would urge people to report this to us as soon as they can. 

'˜I would like to reassure residents there will be extra highways crews out now until the end of the growing season to tackle weeds as part of a targeted programme.'

Weeds are treated using a non-residual glyphosphate based herbicide. The council said it is more environment-friendly.