What is a weed?

A weed is a plant growing in a location where it is not wanted such as on our highways, pavements and kerbs or around drains and street furniture.

Why control weeds?

Weeds are controlled for the following reasons:

• appearance - weeds detract from the overall appearance of an area and trap litter and detritus
• safety - weeds in kerbs or around drains can prevent or slow down drainage. Their growth on pavements may damage their surface causing broken and uneven slabs.  Weeds may also present a trip hazard
• structure - weed growth can destroy paving surfaces, force kerbs apart and crack walls, greatly increasing our maintenance costs.

Where are weeds treated?

All pavements and kerbs in Bexley’s residential roads are treated to control weeds. The edges of paths immediately adjacent to walls or buildings are also treated when necessary.

We will treat:

• public footways
• kerbs and channels

Where will the council not treat weeds?

We are not responsible for treating private land or property owned by other public bodies or private organisations. We won't treat highways which have not been adopted by the council.

How are weeds controlled?

Weeds are controlled using environmentally approved and effective herbicides. When the herbicide is applied to a weed, usually by spraying, it works its way through the plant killing it completely. On contact with soil the herbicide breaks down into harmless substances.

The herbicides used have a very low toxicity and can be used in areas open to the public and their pets.

We regularly consult with experts for advice on weed control and related issues, to ensure that we are fully up-to-date with changes in legislation, herbicide recommendations and commercial practice.

We will remove dead weeds on the next scheduled 3 weekly cleansing visit following the spray, as long as die back has occurred.

When are weeds treated?

Residential roads are treated once a year in the spring, with a second and third application later in the year.

How long does it take for weed killer to take effect?

As gardeners who use herbicides will know, it is not usually immediately apparent that weed-killing treatment of plants has taken place. It will normally take up to two weeks to have a visible impact, though this can be affected by weather conditions.

How does the weather get in the way of treating weed problems?

We do all we can to treat weeds at appropriate times. However, we cannot treat them if:

• there is a risk of rain because the weed-killer would be washed off before it was absorbed by the weeds
• there are high winds. This is to make sure the herbicide doesn't drift in the air to adjoining land or cause damage.

Herbicides containing glyphosate

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is the active substance in many herbicide products and is widely used around the world. It is the most effective substance for controlling perennial weeds and in some cases the only effective substance.

Why is weed control necessary?

Weed control on amenity areas such as street pavements and footpaths is a crucial service undertaken on behalf of local community. A good quality, consistent weed control programme reduces slip and trip hazards and potential access issues, reduces the damage caused by root growth to urban surfaces and improves aesthetic appeal.

How is the use of glyphosate monitored and controlled?

Risks associated with the use of pesticides in public areas are specifically considered as part of the authorisation process. Legally enforceable conditions of use are imposed on the way products can be applied to ensure the public are not exposed to levels of herbicides that would harm health or have unacceptable effects on the environment. Use of the product is targeted and then only by authorised and qualified operatives who have the skills and knowledge to use it within the conditions specified.

Are any qualifications required to use glyphosate professionally?

UK law requires operators hold certification to use glyphosate professionally. Training covers the safe use, storage and handling of pesticides with emphasis on techniques that minimise use and off-target drift.  Weed control application in Bexley is carried out by an experienced and suitably qualified subcontractor using operatives who have the skills and knowledge to use it within the conditions specified.

What are the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements for applying glyphosate?
Whilst glyphosate products vary in terms of their chemistry, the specific PPE requirement is always detailed in the product label. For application of diluted product (as in an amenity setting) coveralls are required, however the use of engineering solutions (such as low drift nozzles) can preclude the need for gloves and further PPE.

I have read that glyphosate is harmful to human health, is it safe for the council to use it?

Yes. The EU and UK has rigorous approvals processes for pesticides. The main aim of the processes is to protect the health of people, animals and plants and to safeguard the environment. The EU and UK directive is that Glyphosate is safe to use.

Glyphosate has been subject to hundreds of clinical trials that have concluded that glyphosate is indeed safe when used under label recommendations. Many common household products have a higher acute toxicity than glyphosate, including table salt, caffeine and ibuprofen.

The European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) published the results of their latest review on 30 May 2022. The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) recommended no change in the classification of Glyphosate. They agreed that there was no scientific reason to change the classification of glyphosate. Based on a wide-ranging review of scientific evidence, the committee again concludes that classifying glyphosate as a carcinogen is not justified. The formulated products will continue to be classified as non-hazardous.

Why does the council use glyphosate and no other herbicides?

Glyphosate is by far the most efficient and cost-effective method for the broad-spectrum treatment of common weeds. Some alternative methods do see specific niche use, but none can approach the value and efficacy of total systemic herbicide (specifically glyphosate), particularly when addressing the scale of treatment required for street pavements. Moreover, alternative methods (for example steam) often come at the price of a significantly increase carbon footprint.

A small number of authorities have stopped using Glyphosate-based weed killers for less effective more expensive methods. Other local authorities have continued to use Glyphosate as they have not found a suitable replacement that is as cost effective and gives good quality weed control.

The Council continually reviews the use of the pesticides and has trialled some pesticide-free alternatives to weed removal.  None of these trials so far have been as efficient or cost-effective and we will continue to use Glyphosate.

How soon after application can people or pets use the area?

Immediately - there is no requirement to restrict access to an area that has recently been treated with glyphosate under normal usage conditions.