URL: https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1525

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Highways, Environmental, and Traded Services

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To provide an update on changes to the council’s highway weed control programme and explain the move from one annual herbicide application to two targeted applications, while maintaining the commitment to minimising chemical use and protecting the environment.

Content: To provide an update on changes to the council’s highway weed control programme and explain the move from one annual herbicide application to two targeted applications, while maintaining the commitment to minimising chemical use and protecting the environment. 1)    That a trial of the proposed changes to the annual weed control programme for 2026, be agreed.   2)    That a report on the outcomes of the trial and recommended next steps be presented to the Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, in Autumn / Winter 2026. It is recommended that it is agreed to trial two sprays of herbicide on hard surfaces across Trafford in 2026. This will allow the service to review if this improves the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the visibility of weeds across Trafford.   The service will monitor the effectiveness of the trial using a combination of monitoring data provided by the contractor, on-site monitoring of the effectiveness of the two treatments, supported by photographic evidence and analysis of customer data including service requests and complaints.   During this trial the service will continue to monitor the market for new technologies. The Council could continue to treat weeds with one annual spray of herbicide. However, this is not recommended due to the poor performance of one spray over the recent years and the increasing visibility of weeds on the highway.

Date of Decision: March 26, 2026