DRIVERS fear uncut grass verges growing out of control across the county could lead to accidents.

Towering grass at roundabouts and road junctions is severely limiting visibility for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

And road signs obscured by bushes and trees are causing some motorists to brake sharply as they miss their turns.

The danger has arisen since the county council slashed its grass cutting budget by more than £130,000, meaning there is now only one big cut each year.

Just £655,515 is available for mowing compared to last year’s £791,996.

Drivers insist this is not enough.

Colin Dobson, a taxi driver who operates in Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot, said the long grass was becoming a serious issue.

He said: “It can be very dangerous. It’s a real problem on country roads too. You can be driving and then you can’t see the oncoming traffic until it’s on top of you.

“Cutting the grass once a year is not adequate.”

Mr Dobson said wild verges could lead to more accidents.

Previously the verges were cut five times a year, but this was slashed to just twice in 2015.

Spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council, Martin Crabtree, said the yearly cut began on Monday.

The same day, outraged Oxford Mail readers sent in more than 50 photos showing the ‘worst verges’.

Mr Crabtree said: “We now carry out one general cut a year across the whole network. This includes all visibility splays at junctions and all grass verges one metre back from the kerb.

“We take safety very seriously and prioritise our grass cutting at junctions to maintain visibility, speed limit and hazard signs and crossings.”

Cyclist Dr Allan Hayle, a laboratory manager at the JR hospital, said: “I can say without doubt the northern by-pass and the route along the A34 from Botley to North Hinksey are particularly bad and dangerous.”

Andy Harris, team leader at Nedschroef Fasteners Ltd in Oxford, said: “The Oxford Ring Road from Marston to Cutteslowe is bad.

“There’s barely enough room for one cyclist and the footpath next to the cycle path has long since disappeared.”

Paul Elliott, 50, says he deserves to feel safe when using the cycle track near his home in Deer Park, Witney, but it is exactly the opposite.

The married father-of-two, who uses the path to Eynsham on his way to and from work, said he was even considering ditching the bike and using the car as the situation had become so dire.

Mr Elliott, a welder, said: “If you meet another cyclist or pedestrian it is extremely dangerous as there is nowhere to go.”

The council’s budget cuts have also prompted some district councils to take action.

Leader of Cherwell District Council Barry Wood said it will invest £42,839 to cut grass across Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Gosford and Water Eaton throughout 2016/17.

There are some though, who believe the verges should be left long and wild.

Gardener Richard Mackenzie said the overgrown verges made him more careful as a driver.

The 36-year-old from Witney said: “When I’m driving down country lanes and I see a wild verge, I find it makes me drive safer. If there are no safety issues, then money should not be spent on this. It should be spent on looking after our young people or our older people.”

Anyone worried about grass posing a risk to road safety can call the county council on 0845 310 1111. Where are the worst grass verges in your town? Send your pictures and locations to megan.archer@oxfordmail.co.uk