Residents warned they face £80 on-the-spot fines for pushing leaves from their property to the road

Residents have been warned that they face an on-the-spot fine of £80 if they push fallen leaves from their own property on to the road.

The One Trafford Partnership, the partnership between Trafford Council and contractor Amey, say that leaves that have fallen on to private property – including gardens and driveways – are the responsibility of the householder.

Pushing or blowing leaves from their own property onto the public highway is a littering offence, alongside cigarette butts and chewing gum, and would be classed as an offence.

Dumping leaves in larger quantities would be considered fly-tipping and would leave offenders facing a fine of £200.

One Trafford said it had been collecting leaves over the Autumn, and had so far collected a total of 798.12 tonnes from Trafford’s roads and footpaths.

The work, they say, would continue until all the wards are cleared and in an “acceptable condition”.

Sale Moor and Brooklands were visited by the leafing team during the week starting November 19, while Priory was visited the following week.  Leaf collecting in St. Mary’s ward started on Monday December 3 and is continuing this week.

Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change, Councillor Stephen Adshead, said: “It is understandable that leaf fall can be an inconvenience sometimes, however this is why we have dedicated leafing teams out in the borough clearing and sweeping the highways. The teams operate seven days a week clearing leaves from 5.30am to 7pm.

“Please remember that leaves which have fallen onto your property should not be swept or blown onto the public highway and I would ask anyone who has a gardener to remind them to collect the leaves and dispose of them responsibly.”

“We are very grateful to people who help maintain our public spaces and recognise that the support we receive from community groups and individuals makes a real difference. We would discourage anyone from sweeping leaves off the public highway for safety reasons and ask that if your street requires cleaning due to heavy leaf fall that it is reported online at https://my.trafford.gov.uk or by calling 03330 035865.”