Request ID: FOI-1648-2324 Date published: 12 September 2023
You asked
Weed killer Hammersmith flyover
Thank you for your reply. (1) When was weed killer applied? (2) Was it glyphosate or another systemic weed killer which inhibits photosynthesis? These are the best weed killers.
I look forward to your further reply.
We answered
TfL Ref: 1648-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 18 August 2023 asking for information about weedkiller. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked (about the A4 west of the Hammersmith Flyover and along the 3-lanes approach road to the Hammersmith Gyratory system under and to the north of the Hammersmith Flyover): 1) When was weed killer applied? (2) Was it glyphosate or another systemic weed killer which inhibits photosynthesis.
TfL is committed to eliminating use of glyphosate (an active ingredient in many pesticides used to control vegetation across the network) where operationally and financially possible. Given the extent and diversity of our surface and underground transport networks, there are different operational requirements involved in controlling vegetation growth. Significant progress has already been made by TfL to reduce its use of pesticide including reducing glyphosate use on our highways by 70% since 2017 by decreasing the frequency of weed treatments from six applications per year to two (to align with the existing frequency on London Underground). This is the minimum level required, currently, to achieve safety compliance (such as clear sightlines) and demonstrate to the public these areas are being maintained.
We apologise but weed spraying was not carried out in August but will be done this month so the weeds will be ready for removal in October when they are dead.
Self-sets are not included in the weed removal. An order was raised for these on 23/08/2023 and completed 08/09/2023. So in summary, our contractors have removed the self-sets plants. The weed spraying used to control the weeds is glyphosate. The weed spraying will be done this month.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
