Island Roads is to adopt a new approach to removing weeds from the highway network, which means an end to the decades-old method of using quad bikes.
The company will this year employ extra seasonal staff to remove weeds, wherever possible, by hand and traditional tools. Previously the approach to weed-removal was more reliant on the use of herbicides, often sprayed by contractors on quad bikes.
As well as moving away from the previous use of quad bike teams, Island Roads will also – from 2021 – supplement the new ‘hands-on’ approach by using an organic-based herbicide where manual removal is not possible. The herbicides to be used are Katoun Gold 51 and New Way Weed Spray.
The new method has been agreed by Island Roads following local feedback including dialogue with local stakeholders and in line with moves from within the highway maintenance industry to reduce herbicide use. Island Roads is required to undertake specified weed removal in its contract with the Isle of Wight Council.
Dave Wallis, Island Roads operations and maintenance manager, says:
“We keep our processes under review and are particularly keen to look how we can improve the way we do things. Customer feedback and industry best practice is a key part of our consideration.
“This new method will ensure we continue to maintain the required level of service and in a way that reflects our commitment to working in a way that looks after the environment.
“We have always carried out weed removal in a safe way using licenced products and standard industry practices but we are always prepared to do things differently as long as we continue to meet all the contractual and safety requirements.”
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Councillor John Nicholson, who liaises with Island Roads in his capacity as chairman of the Island’s Working Well Together Group, has welcomed the move. He said:
“I know that Island Roads takes its obligations very seriously and is always looking to do the right thing. It is a big organisation in Island terms but is prepared to try something different if it means it can do its job in a better way.”
Some times the OLD WAYS ARE BETTER
Rubbish how are you going to kill the weeds if they are coming through the tarmac and concrete.
The only way is spraying them. Another great idea from the worst council in Britain.
What they really mean is cutting back and not bother
And 100% will be paying min wage for some to freeze the goolies off and soaked to the skin.
Nearly £9 per hour for pulling weeds sounds pretty good to me.
so your sort of saying this is what all the councillor’s should be getting paid as there so called job should be at the lower end of earnings. They should get paid on what they do not what they take and them
n mess up and us the tax payers to clean up after them.
What about using those on community service.
what about using the councillers give them something to do
The weeds are growing thought new pavments
Just think of all the new jobs created. 1 to do the weeding, and 2 to watch! That’s the island roads way.
Oh yes, I forgot. Putting temporary traffic lights up, so they can park their vans on the road to create an obstruction for no apparent reason.