Cutting a tree down could cost you R60 000
Some residents just do not know that permission is required from the City to cut a tree down on the pavement, and so incur huge fines.
Cutting down a tree outside your property could lead to a fine of up to R60 000.
So said Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley after Randburg Sun followed up on an incident in Stompneus Road, Randpark.
New residents to the area cut down a white stinkwood tree on the pavement outside their boundary wall next to the road.
“The rangers responded immediately. A culprit was identified and the penalty process has commenced,” Moodley said, explaining that the fine that was issued was dependent on the tree species, size, age, location and whether it had heritage value.
“Last month we issued fines worth a total of R246 000 for a number of incidents. There is no minimum or a maximum fine but usually, we see between R10 000 and R60 000 charged.”
Robins Residents and Ratepayers Association (RRRA) chairperson Irvin Sammons said this was just one of a few recent incidents of people cutting down trees on pavements.
“Some people just do not know that trees growing on pavements belong to the City of Johannesburg and permission is needed to cut them,” he said.
“Joburg has an ageing tree canopy that has been threatened by the shot hole borer. We are doing our best to protect our trees and we do not let these people get away [with it].”
If anyone became aware of residents cutting down trees without permission from City Parks, they should report this to their local police station or contact Joburg Connect on 086 056 2874.
Details: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com; 011 712 6600.
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