Residents in North Yorkshire may be asked to move their cars away from roadsides as part of a new pilot scheme targeting weeds.

Embsay with Eastby Parish Council has agreed to a two-year pilot scheme with North Yorkshire Council to manage weed growth at roadsides.

Starting from March 2025, the project will target specified areas and use mechanical and manual methods as an alternative to the current glyphosate programme. 

Agreed area maps will be available to view at a later date.

The Parish will be completely removed from the glyphosate spraying programme for the duration of the trial. 

The purpose of the trial is to find an effective solution to maintaining the network without the use of chemicals.

North Yorkshire Council is envisaging that the trial will be more costly than current practices. But it is thought the trial will lead to a reduction in weeds by the start of year two, resulting in longer term financial benefits. 

There will be no expectation on the Parish Council to cover any additional costs.

The Parish Council will be asking residents to support this initiative by removing any roadside parked vehicles, when required, to allow for the works to be carried out. 

Specific dates will be advised and publicised.