AIE - Document Review - Circular 52/75

Document Summary

Department of the Environment - Circular 52/75 - Inspection of Highway Trees

This circular was published in December 1975 and provides advice on the inspection and maintenance of highway trees. This circular compliments circular 90/73 and replaces circular 34/74.

The circular gives advice to the highway inspector,

that they should note any obvious dead, dying or dangerous trees that are within falling distance of the highway. Such facts should be reported to the county engineer so that necessary action and further inspection can be carried out.
The county engineer should arrange for frequent examination of highway trees, preferably when they are in leaf.
Records could be kept recording details of inspections, works carried out etc.
Inspections of trees growing on private land within falling distance of the highway should also be carried out. The Highways Authority have a right of access on to private land to inspect potentially dangerous trees and can order that any dangerous trees are made safe.
The inspector should also consider works carried out by statutory undertakers especially trenching around roots.

Photocopies of this single page circular may be available from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). If not try your local authority tree officer!

See also Highways Act 1980

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