Brighton and Hove City Council has announced that residents who live on roads that have existing 20mph zones and have fewer than 100 homes can opt-out of the council’s weed maintenance programme.
The council currently uses a “controlled droplet application” of glyphosate, a controversial weed killer, to treat weeds in the pavement. It say that it is necessary to keep on top of weed growth and ensure roads and pathways are accessible and clear for all.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for net zero and environmental services, said: “Now that we have successfully got the years of unchecked growth under control, we want to reduce the amount of glyphosate being used in a managed and planned way.
“Some residents have told us they’d prefer to look after their own streets, and we supported that in an informal way last year by providing the tools and collecting the waste.”
Any road that applies for the opt-out scheme will need a lead volunteer, who will be given appropriate training and access to the relevant tools by the council. They will also be expected to co-ordinate local volunteers.
Residents who would like their street to be excluded can now apply for their road to be left out, on the condition that neighbours group together to remove and manage weeds manually at least 3 times a year.
Applications for streets to opt out of glyphosate use can be made through the council’s website and must be submitted before March 21.
A council spokesman said: “This is a much more targeted method than is used elsewhere and uses a lot less active ingredient.
“However, some residents have asked for their streets to be excluded from planned treatment.”
Councillors from all parties signed a pledge to ban the chemical, but in May 2024 the Labour council decided to start using it again to tackle the city’s weed problem.
In the 2023 local election manifesto, Labour promised to “wage war on the weeds that have been allowed to grow – making streets difficult and hazardous, especially with children and for the elderly and people with reduced mobility”.
The party also pledged not to return to “harmful glyphosate”.
Councillors were grilled outside Hove Town Hall in January 2024 by campaigners against the use of glyphosate, previously banned in Brighton and Hove, to tackle the city’s weed problem.
The opt-out scheme will run alongside the council’s ongoing work to improve the look and feel of our city by reducing weed growth.
Cllr Rowkins added: ““I’m pleased we’re now able to operate a more formal opt-out scheme so that residents have the choice over how weeds on their street are managed.
“It’s vital we keep our pavements free from obstructions and the city fully accessible to all residents and visitors and we are confident our controlled droplet method is a safe and efficient way of achieving this.
“But we absolutely welcome residents who would like to do their bit in helping clear weeds and keep our city looking its best.”
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