Recurring concern

Failure to control vegetation that obstructs safety-critical visibility

First to latest report 2 Apr 2014 — 9 May 2022

Reports that mention this concern
10
Times this concern has been raised
10
Stated actions linked to this concern
11

What this concern includes

Includes failures or hazards involving trees, hedgerows, grass, shrubbery or other vegetation that obstructs, shades or materially reduces safety-critical visibility for road users, pedestrians, or personnel performing a safety-monitoring function.

What is not included
  • Excludes visibility deficiencies caused solely by road geometry, buildings, walls, signs, vehicles, lighting, glare or weather when vegetation is not a material contributor.
  • Excludes generic grounds-maintenance failures where no safety-critical visibility obstruction is identified.
  • Excludes non-vegetation safety hazards and vegetation issues that affect appearance, access or amenity without a supported public-safety consequence.
  • Excludes visibility concerns confined to a separately bounded system, such as pedestrian-crossing visibility, when that named system supplies the more specific supported parent boundary.

Reports and published responses 10 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. North Wales (East and Central)

    AI-generated summary

    Michael Howard Williams · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Michael Howard Williams died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a motor car turning onto the A525 from Green Lane. The inquest evidence indicated that a hedge obstructed the view for vehicles joining the A525, creating an ongoing risk of further collisions and loss of life unless visibility or the road layout is improved.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Obstructed visibility for vehicles joining the A525 from Green Lane

    Wider context from the report

    “The evidence at inquest, supported by a site visit by me to the scene, indicated that the view for vehicles joining the A525 at this location from Green Lane is obstructed as to traffic approaching from the Wrexham direction as a result of the hedge which abuts the highway at this point. Unless action is taken to improve visibility or to alter the road layout, then there is an ongoing risk that further collisions will occur and that lives may be lost as a result. ”

    Source location

    Michael Howard Williams · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Cut the hedge bordering the A525 and Hollybush House to improve visibility.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I would confirm that we will be cutting the hedge which borders the A525 and the premises of Hollybush House, at this present time the house is in the process of being sold, but we will be speaking to the new owner when they take up occupancy regarding the maintenance of the hedge.”

    Source location

    Response from Wrexham County Borough Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 May 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Speak with Hollybush House’s new occupier about maintaining the hedge bordering the A525.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I would confirm that we will be cutting the hedge which borders the A525 and the premises of Hollybush House, at this present time the house is in the process of being sold, but we will be speaking to the new owner when they take up occupancy regarding the maintenance of the hedge.”

    Source location

    Response from Wrexham County Borough Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 May 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Make a Traffic Regulation Order restricting Green Lane to one-way traffic from the A525 direction.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “It is the intention of the Authority to make a Traffic Regulation Order on Green Lane to make the road one way from the direction of the A525. This will not allow vehicles to exit Green Lane onto the A525, which will avoid vehicles entering the A525 where there is limited visibility.”

    Source location

    Response from Wrexham County Borough Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 May 2022

    Open published response

  2. Norfolk

    AI-generated summary

    Anthony David RODÈ · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Anthony David RODÈ was a Coastwatch volunteer who fell from a bank onto a concrete path while using his own strimmer to cut overgrown grass on 24 July 2021, sustaining injuries that led to his death. The principal concern was a dispute between Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Caister-On-Sea Parish Council over responsibility for the land, resulting in neither organisation maintaining it and a volunteer undertaking the grass cutting in unsafe circumstances.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to maintain dune grass so that Coastwatch volunteers retain visibility along the beach

    Wider context from the report

    “1. There is a dispute between Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Caister-On-Sea Parish Council as to who is responsible for the stretch of land where Mr Rodè was strimming the grass. 2. Caister-On-Sea Parish Council state that the bank is part of the sea defences and so is the responsibility of the Great Yarmouth Borough Council. 3. Great Yarmouth Borough Council state the land belongs to the Parish Council and so is their responsibility. 4. As a result, neither organisation has taken responsibility for this section of coastline and the grass on the dunes has grown to such a height as to obscure the view of the Coastwatch volunteers along the beach. 5. Accordingly, the Coastwatch volunteers are unable to properly carry out their role to provide the “eyes and ears” along the coast and to assist in the protection and preservation of life at sea along the coastline. In addition, in this case, it has resulted in a volunteer maker taking the decision to cut the grass himself in circumstances when it was not safe to do so ”

    Source location

    Anthony David RODÈ · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  3. Berkshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 2 August 2018, Jason Imi and John Shackley were struck by a motor car while crossing the A329 to return to the Royal Berkshire Hotel, sustaining fatal injuries and dying at the scene. The principal concern was the continuing risk to pedestrians because there was no footpath or street lighting by the hotel, alongside reduced visibility caused by tree canopy and a dip in the road.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Tree canopy shading the A329 near the hotel entrance

    Wider context from the report

    “I am concerned that there is no footpath on the A329 on the side of the road where the Royal Berkshire Hotel is located, meaning that any pedestrians walking into or out of the hotel entrance have to cross the A329 to get from or to a footpath, and that there is no street lighting in the vicinity of the hotel. Street lights end 100 metres west of the hotel entrance. This means that pedestrians entering or leaving the hotel during the hours of darkness have to cross the road in a place where there is no illumination, and so they are not easily visible to motorists driving along the A329. There is also a tree canopy in the summer, further shading the road, and a dip in the road surface on the eastbound approach to the hotel which adversely affects forward visibility towards the hotel for motorists. I consider that unless some action is taken there is a continuing risk of pedestrians entering or leaving the Royal Berkshire Hotel being run over as they cross the A329 at night. ”

    Source location

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review tree canopy surrounding the road for specific road safety issues.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3. Colleagues have reviewed the tree canopy surrounding the road in this rural area but have not identified any specific road safety issues associated with tree cover.”

    Source location

    Response from The Highways Authority
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 September 2019

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    No specific road safety issues have been identified as being associated with tree cover.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3. Colleagues have reviewed the tree canopy surrounding the road in this rural area but have not identified any specific road safety issues associated with tree cover.”

    Source location

    Response from The Highways Authority
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 September 2019

    Open published response

  4. Berkshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 2 August 2018, Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley were struck by a motor car while crossing the A329 near the Royal Berkshire Hotel and died at the scene. The report raises concerns about the lack of a footpath and street lighting near the hotel, reduced visibility for motorists, and the continuing risk to pedestrians crossing the road at night.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Seasonal tree canopy shading the road near the hotel

    Wider context from the report

    “I am concerned that there is no footpath on the A329 on the side of the road where the Royal Berkshire Hotel is located, meaning that any pedestrians walking into or out of the hotel entrance have to cross the A329 to get from or to a footpath, and that there is no street lighting in the vicinity of the hotel. Street lights end 100 metres west of the hotel entrance. This means that pedestrians entering or leaving the hotel during the hours of darkness have to cross the road in a place where there is no illumination, and so they are not easily visible to motorists driving along the A329. There is also a tree canopy in the summer, further shading the road, and a dip in the road surface on the eastbound approach to the hotel which adversely affects forward visibility towards the hotel for motorists. I consider that unless some action is taken there is a continuing risk of pedestrians entering or leaving the Royal Berkshire Hotel being run over as they cross the A329 at night. ”

    Source location

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review tree canopy surrounding the road for specific road safety issues.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3. Colleagues have reviewed the tree canopy surrounding the road in this rural area but have not identified any specific road safety issues associated with tree cover.”

    Source location

    Response from The Highways Authority
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 September 2019

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    No specific road safety issues have been identified as being associated with tree cover.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3. Colleagues have reviewed the tree canopy surrounding the road in this rural area but have not identified any specific road safety issues associated with tree cover.”

    Source location

    Response from The Highways Authority
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 September 2019

    Open published response

  5. Cheshire

    AI-generated summary

    William John Hignett · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    William John Hignett sustained fatal injuries when his motorcycle collided with an HGV on the A556 Chester Road, Sandiway, on 3 October 2017. The substantive concerns identified were the junction configuration and positioning, street lighting, surrounding vegetation that may have affected visibility, and the applicable speed limit.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Surrounding vegetation affecting visibility

    Wider context from the report

    “3. The surrounding vegetation, which may have affected visibility; ”

    Source location

    William John Hignett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  6. Cumbria

    AI-generated summary

    Jeffrey William Matthews · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jeffrey William Matthews suffered fatal injuries when his motorcycle collided with a Nissan Juke at the C2051 crossroads on 26 March 2017. The report raised concerns that the crossroads and Give Way sign were obscured by hedgerows and that warning signage was inadequate, with previously recommended safety measures not implemented due to a lack of resources.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to maintain roadside vegetation so that the crossroads remains visible

    Wider context from the report

    “The C1021 is a minor country road that runs from the A595 at Orton Grange Roundabout in a north westerly direction and terminates when it joins the C2051 at Great Orton village. The road is generally unmarked and just wide enough for two vehicles to pass in opposite directions. The statutory speed limit is 60 mph. Approximately 220 metres prior to the scene of the collision on the C1021, is a left hand bend as you approach from the A595. The bend travels through an angle of approximately 16 degrees before the road straightens on the approach to the crossroads. The C1021 is straight for approximately 196 metres from the bend to the crossroad and continues straight beyond the crossroads for approximately 159 metres before entering another left hand bend. The police collision investigation report dated 14th August 2017 identifies at paragraph 4.4 that at this point, the presence of the crossroad junction is not obvious to any approaching vehicle. The height of the roadside hedgerows and their close proximity cause a tunnel effect and as such obscure any sign of the crossroads. It is also noted that the presence of the 'Give Way' sign at the crossroad junction is lost in the background and therefore not obviously visible to approaching drivers from a distance. Cumbria County Council is responsible for implementing measures on the county highway network that aim to reduce casualties and the risk of collisions. The C2051 Great Orton Crossroad was previously identified as having a sufficiently serious collision record during the period 1st October 2012 up to 30th September 2015. Capita were commissioned to carry out an independent investigation and inspection. The finding in the police investigation report at paragraph 4.4 as set out above was not identified by Capita. Evidence was heard at the inquest that the recommendations made by Capita in their report dated May 2016 were not implemented due to a lack of resources. The recommendations were; 1. The application of High Friction Surfacing on the north and southbound approached 2. Vegetation trimming – cutting back vegetation to the south-east, north-east and north-west quadrant verge areas 3. Additional Road markings on C1021 junction approaches – provide ‘SLOW’ markings on red patch on the C1021 approaches, adjacent to warning signs. (1) The current warning signage on approach to the junction from a north westerly direction is inadequate. (2) The height of the roadside hedgerows and their close proximity causes a tunnel effect obscuring any sign of the crossroads restricting visibility. (3) Modifications to the junction on approach as recommended by Capita should be re-considered to minimise the risk of incidents and death in the future. ”

    Source location

    Jeffrey William Matthews · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  7. Manchester North

    AI-generated summary

    Jack Edward Braniff · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    At approximately 01:00 on 5 November 2016, Jack Braniff stepped into the path of an oncoming car on Middleton Road and died at hospital at 02:10 from injuries sustained in the collision. Concerns related to an illuminated advertising board obstructing pedestrians’ and drivers’ views, and overhanging tree canopies compounding visibility problems and potentially contributing to further fatalities.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Reduction in tree looping resulting in overhanging canopies that compound road visibility issues

    Wider context from the report

    “2. The overhanging tree canopies at the site of the collision compounded the visibility issues which led to this death. The evidence suggested that there is a nexus between a reduction in the tree looping in the Greater Manchester area and an increase in road traffic collisions. The concern is that if this continues, it may lead to further fatalities. ”

    Source location

    Jack Edward Braniff · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Ensure the tree-pruning programme continues as efficiently as possible.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As part of the PFI agreement contract described above, the detrimental effect that overgrown tree canopies have on lanterns is monitored through a combination of routine maintenance and night time inspection regimes. Where trimming and pruning is required the work is programmed to be carried out as soon as reasonably practicable.”

    Source location

    2017-0183-Response-by-Unity-Partnership
    Page 3 · response
    Published 4 August 2017

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review the tree-pruning process to identify safety improvements.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In light of the concerns that you have raised the Council will ensure the tree pruning program continues as efficiently as possible and is committed to reviewing the process and will implement practical improvements where appropriate.”

    Source location

    2017-0183-Response-by-Unity-Partnership
    Page 3 · response
    Published 4 August 2017

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    PFI maintenance and night inspections monitor tree-canopy effects on lighting, with required trimming and pruning programmed as soon as reasonably practicable.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Oldham Council currently manages its Street Lighting network under a PFI Contract with the neighbouring Borough of Rochdale in what is termed the Community Lighting Partnership (CLP). Our Contract is with the CLP where the appointed Sub-Contractor E-on carries out all the day to day operations to align with the project’s Output Specification.”

    Source location

    2017-0183-Response-by-Unity-Partnership
    Page 3 · response
    Published 4 August 2017

    Open published response

  8. South Yorkshire (Western)

    AI-generated summary

    Mr Sean Craig Salvin · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Sean Craig Salvin died on 30 December 2015 from severe injuries sustained when his car left a heavily flooded road at Woolley Wood Bottom, Sheffield. The report identified concerns about failures by authorities to collect, share and collate information about incidents and flooding, as well as concerns about risk assessment and the identification of the location's increasing risk.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to maintain tree trimming sufficient to preserve road lighting

    Wider context from the report

    “g) Witnesses reported the street lighting as ‘adequate’ and a site inspection did not suggest otherwise. However, the growth of trees and the development of leaves in Spring and Summer will inevitably reduce the lighting available on the road unless proper (and probably substantial) trimming takes place. The court was told that this is a recognised and regular maintenance issue but a concern would arise if this was reduced for any reason such as future budgetary constraints. ”

    Source location

    Mr Sean Craig Salvin · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  9. Hertfordshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jan Bodnar · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jan Bodnar died after his motorcycle collided with a car crossing the A505 near Ashwell on 12 July 2015. The report raised concerns that plant growth in the central reservation severely restricted visibility for drivers and that similar risks might exist at other junctions on the road.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to regularly cut back plant growth at road junctions

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) That the state of the central reservation at this junction was dangerous in that the plant growth severely restricted the view for a driver of traffic approaching from the left. (2) The evidence showed that the growth had been cut back a week or so after this incident, but the risk of danger to motorists will only be avoided if the growth at this junction is regularly cut back. (3) The evidence showed that similar risks may well be present at other similar junctions on this road. ”

    Source location

    Jan Bodnar · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Clear vegetation at the A505 Slip End Farm junction within the central reserve safety barrier.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Cleared the vegetation (tree, shrubs and other plant growth) at the A505 Slip End Farm junction (inside the safety barrier within the central reserve) on 25 and 27 July 2015.”

    Source location

    2016-0166-Response-by-Hertfordshire-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 29 April 2016

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Assess similar junctions between Baldock and Royston to identify locations requiring additional vegetation clearance.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Carried out an assessment of similar junctions on this section of road between Baldock and Royston. This has revealed that of the 11 junctions, 6 require further vegetation clearance over and above what is covered by our cyclical grass cutting maintenance programme. This work is planned to be undertaken in July 2016, subject to weather and other factors outside of our control.”

    Source location

    2016-0166-Response-by-Hertfordshire-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 29 April 2016

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Clear vegetation at six identified junctions between Baldock and Royston beyond cyclical grass-cutting maintenance.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Carried out an assessment of similar junctions on this section of road between Baldock and Royston. This has revealed that of the 11 junctions, 6 require further vegetation clearance over and above what is covered by our cyclical grass cutting maintenance programme. This work is planned to be undertaken in July 2016, subject to weather and other factors outside of our control.”

    Source location

    2016-0166-Response-by-Hertfordshire-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 29 April 2016

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Revise highway safety inspectors’ remit to identify vegetation requiring corrective action on this length of road.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Revised the remit for our highway safety inspectors for this length of road to ensure that vegetation of this nature is identified, enabling corrective action to be programmed.”

    Source location

    2016-0166-Response-by-Hertfordshire-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 29 April 2016

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Revise the vegetation maintenance regime so tree, shrub and plant-growth cutting is coordinated annually with grass cutting on this length of road.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Revised the maintenance regime for vegetation for this length of road, so that the cutting of trees, shrubs and other plant growth will be carried out in co-ordination with grass cutting on an annual basis.”

    Source location

    2016-0166-Response-by-Hertfordshire-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 29 April 2016

    Open published response

  10. Isle of Wight

    AI-generated summary

    William John Watson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    William John Watson, aged 93, died in hospital after being seriously injured in a head-on road traffic collision while overtaking a coach on the Middle Road, Isle of Wight, on 22 October 2013. The concern was that the road layout and surrounding hedgerows near the bus stop at Tapnell might have affected drivers’ visibility and road safety, particularly in light of other road traffic incidents on that stretch.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Road layout and surrounding hedgerows affecting driver visibility and road safety

    Wider context from the report

    “1. During the course of the evidence, it became clear that there had been other road traffic incidents along this stretch of the Middle Road, and it was a matter of concern that the layout of the road, and surrounding hedgerows, adjacent to the bus stop at Tapnell, on the Newport bound carriageway, might be affecting drivers’ visibility and thereby the safety of the road itself. ”

    Source location

    William John Watson · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026