In the last year, vegetation management and incidents caused by vegetation cost the railway £100m. Lineside vegetation can obscure signals, get blown on to tracks, or grow so much that our staff do not have a safe place to wait while trains pass. At Network Rail we are, of course, very aware of the impact that removing trees and vegetation can have on local communities. Kevin GrovesHead of media, Network Rail• We overlook a railway line where there’s been vegetation management by Network Rail. Alan FowlerNewcastle upon Tyne• Network Rail should be made to plant and maintain a tree for each one it cuts down.

Source: The Guardian May 01, 2018 17:15 UTC