Cut a number of trees that make the view of the Coevorderstraatweg near Noordscheschut unsafe. A majority of politics in Hoogeveen submits that request to the municipal administration.
A number of trees are a thorn in the eye for residents of Coevorderstraat. They hinder the view of the road, especially with exits and intersections. They complain that they have not been able to turn the road safely for ages.
Hoogeveen had research done and states that there are a number of problem trees. But removing the trees is not possible, the municipality says. Municipal interests, SGP, the CDA and the VVD want to force a motion that it does happen.
Tonight they will deposit their wish with alderman Niek Wind, who is considering the tree issue in this file. Together the parties have a majority in the council for the request. Hoogeveen previously announced that he would not just cut trees. Often something like that happens only when a tree is sick or ensures a dangerous situation. In the latter case you have to think of trees hanging over the road.
Trees that obstruct the vision are not classified under this. Residents of the Coevorderstraatweg look at it differently. They argue that there is too fast driving on the road and together with the poor visibility, this causes dangerous situations.
The municipality has previously legally examined whether a logging permit can be issued because of this position, but that appears to be complicated. Road safety is difficult to measure and a matter of personal experience or feeling. Hoogeveen thinks that is too vague to use. They are also afraid at the municipality that the situation along Coevorderstraatweg will be used as an example by others with the same problems in the municipality.
Hoogeveen currently has no hood policy. The second request from the parties is to come up with this as soon as possible. In the policy they also want a wider rule to be found to cut down trees that cause dangerous situations.
Politics will talk about it during the council meeting.