Surrey County Council to take control of Environmental Maintenance

On 1st April 2023, Surrey County Council will take over responsibility for Environmental Maintenance (grass cutting, weed spraying and treatment of noxious weeds) across the whole of the County. Whist they already manage this in Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Tandridge, the other areas have historically been managed by Districts and Borough Councils to differing specifications.

By bringing the service back in house, a consistent approach (4 urban cuts, 2 rural cuts and 1 weed spray treatment per annum) across all areas will be achieved. SCC will ensure highway verge maintenance contributes to their greener futures objectives and provide a greater ability to support the national “blue campaign” to reduce cuts and increase biodiversity.​

Finally, it will enable the service to promote innovation, actively trial and switch to alternatives to conventional weed spraying as technology develops.