OWNERS of trees, plants and hedges that encroach on footpaths and roads could be presented with bill to chop them down to size.

North Yorkshire County Council is becoming increasingly concerned about the number of complaints about vegetation obstructing highways.

If owners do not respond to pleas for pruning, the council says it will serve notices on owners, carry out the work and then charge all costs to the owner.

Mike Moore, head of environmental services, told councillors overgrown vegetation had the potential to create a safety hazard at junctions.

"The extent of obstructions can be minor but still cause irritation - for example, when pedestrians get wet having to brush past hedges.

"Where the encroachment is greater, footways can be rendered impassable, particularly for wheelchair-users and parents with pushchairs."

The council is running an awareness campaign to ensure homeowners take action.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 bans the cutting of trees and hedges from April to September, unless highway users are deemed to be at risk.

"If works must be carried out during the restricted period on safety grounds, due care is taken with regard to wildlife," said Mr Moore.

The council's safety inspectors monitor hedge maintenance in general to pre-empt problems, but minor roads are only inspected annually.

As part of the campaign, parish councils are being encouraged to report problems to their local highways office.