MORE than 6,000 miles of grass verges on many of Essex’s key roads are to be cut to improve visibility for drivers and other road users.

Drivers are asked to allow time and space for the tractors and other vehicles involved in the cutting and disposal of vegetation.

The cutting programme includes verges next to roads and pavements, as well as vegetation on central reservations and anywhere growth affects sightlines at junctions.

Essex Highways will also be working with partners, including Essex Wildlife Trust, to ensure more than 100 areas designated as “Special Roadside Verges” are protected to help support the county’s wildlife.

Ian Grundy, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “It is vital that we cut verges, trees and undergrowth back to ensure the safety of all road users.

“We take advice from experts to balance this need with the environmental impact of work to ensure we continue to support Essex’s wildlife.

“I would ask drivers to please be patient with our crews and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the machinery in case of flying debris when our crew complete this vital work.”

Up to eight tractors will be working on the Essex road network at any one time during the peak summer cutting season.

These works are often completed at night when major routes are less busy to reduce disruption for road users.