The existing Waterford Council policy on the removal of grass verges on country roads in County Waterford as part of road widening and maintenance needs to be reviewed inkeeping with Waterford Council's objective: To make efficient use of transport networks and ensure that all new developments contribute towards reducing the need to travel long distances and encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport.
The current policy of removing or minimising grass verges in rural areas, without installing adequate alternative infrastructure such as pathways, adds to more dangerous conditions for walkers on our rural roads. More than ever people now need to be able to walk in their local communities, which was particularly evident during the recent lockdowns, when daily walking became a method of engaging with the local communities, combatting rural isolation along with supporting health and wellbeing. This policy actively discourages walking on local roads and increases the need to drive to walk or to the local shop, school, neigbours house etc.