Mowing road verges
Three rounds of mowing for road safety
From May through September we mow the verges along our roads and bicycle paths. We only do that along the roads that HHNK maintains. These are the roads outside the built-up area in Purmerend and Waterland. We mow the verges for traffic safety; a clear view is important for everyone on the road. So that we can see each other and make allowances for each other. We mow with respect for flora and fauna. Where it is responsible, we keep the verges flowery.
We mow in three rounds. We start with a so-called "safety round," in which we mow one to one and a half meters on either side of the pavement and the entire intersections. We also mow around traffic-control objects, such as traffic signs, scare fences and point blocks. This round will last from about May 15 to June 1.
Then, in the second round of six weeks, June 1 to July 15, we mow the verge where it is necessary for traffic safety and for maintaining the road ditch. In one location this is the whole verge, in another we mow only part of it. The third round is from August 24 to October 1. Then we mow the roadsides completely.
Different mowing techniques
The code of conduct also applies to mowing roadsides. We always mow one to one and a half meters on either side of the road. In the rest of the verge, we leave half of the vegetation on the second round of mowing. If possible, we dispose of the clippings so that the soil is not suffocated. In this way we stimulate biodiversity. If trees or buried cables are a nuisance, we leave the clippings.
Conflicting desires
We do our best to meet everyone's needs as much as possible. Sometimes the interests are conflicting so we cannot always satisfy everyone. Also, we cannot be everywhere at once in our mowing rounds. We ask for your understanding. Our area managers are supervisors and point of contact for explanations about our mowing management.
If you have questions and comments, please contact the Water Board, tel. 072 582 8282.
For more information (including on mowing levees and watercourses), see the Mowing page.
