Trees and footways: a tree officer’s view

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

This might be a case of not yet having fully adapted to the new site mechanics?

 

Just read the article .  I can see that there is 1 comment and 1 like shown against the article but I can't find how to read the comment or add a new one.  Anyone know if there is a way or does it need a separate thread to open a discussion?

 

Open questions:

 

"...It goes without saying that it is essential that pedestrians and other road users are able to travel safely. Particular consideration should be given to those with mobility difficulties or the partially sighted..." 

 

Does it?  Or is the fact that this remains the adopted 'start point' for the scenario where roots lift paths is actually a significant part of the problem rather than the solution.  

 

Why shouldn't an individual, rather than a LA, take responsibility for how they perambulate?  Why should particular consideration be given to a specified minority at the (environmental, financial, amenity) expense of the vast majority?

 

That might seem like a fairly harsh question, but if we don't have all the options on the table to start with, how can we reach an equitable and viable solution?

 

If we take the calculated value of the tree and the cost of the works if a perceived problem exists into the equation, why should we not also include an element which examines how many people might be at risk of trips or falls before works are considered?  

 

"...we also have to factor in the political costs of tree removal. It can be a blessing and a curse to tree officers that certain sections of their communities are so passionate about trees..!"   

 

Some pretty hot examples of that at the moment!

 

"...Some of these are explored in the forthcoming LTOA publication Surface materials around trees in hard landscapes..."

 

Will the publication be open source and available to buy/view somewhere?  That would be a handy, and timely, document to see.

 

 

[Steve Bullman]

Click on the comment tab...default is set to review.  I will see if i can change that, or perhaps remove the review option altogether, not sure its needed.

 

[Steve Bullman]

look now

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Got it!  Many thanks, was it me being a dummy and not scrolling down far enough??

 

Should I 'cut' this from here and 'paste' it there?? 

Edited September 10, 2017 by kevinjohnsonmbe

[Steve Bullman]

Sure

[tree79]

33 minutes ago, kevinjohnsonmbe said:

This might be a case of not yet having fully adapted to the new site mechanics?

 

Just read the article .  I can see that there is 1 comment and 1 like shown against the article but I can't find how to read the comment or add a new one.  Anyone know if there is a way or does it need a separate thread to open a discussion?

 

Open questions:

 

"...It goes without saying that it is essential that pedestrians and other road users are able to travel safely. Particular consideration should be given to those with mobility difficulties or the partially sighted..." 

 

Does it?  Or is the fact that this remains the adopted 'start point' for the scenario where roots lift paths is actually a significant part of the problem rather than the solution.  

 

Why shouldn't an individual, rather than a LA, take responsibility for how they perambulate?  Why should particular consideration be given to a specified minority at the (environmental, financial, amenity) expense of the vast majority?

 

That might seem like a fairly harsh question, but if we don't have all the options on the table to start with, how can we reach an equitable and viable solution?

 

If we take the calculated value of the tree and the cost of the works if a perceived problem exists into the equation, why should we not also include an element which examines how many people might be at risk of trips or falls before works are considered?  

 

"...we also have to factor in the political costs of tree removal. It can be a blessing and a curse to tree officers that certain sections of their communities are so passionate about trees..!"   

 

Some pretty hot examples of that at the moment!

 

"...Some of these are explored in the forthcoming LTOA publication Surface materials around trees in hard landscapes..."

 

Will the publication be open source and available to buy/view somewhere?  That would be a handy, and timely, document to see.

 

 

Hi 

Just been reading these posts and I have tried looking else but not found it yet, is there any statutory minium width for a footpath(part of the highway) and if so does it only apply to new construction or existing?

 

Many thanks

Tree

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

What device are you viewing on?  On laptop / desktop the current articles / blogs are on the right hand side.  Not sure I can help with the footway question.