Verges

Verge is the strip of ground that runs along the outer edge of a road or path, separating the carriageway from the adjacent land. In the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries the term verge is common; in other regions the area may be called the roadside margin or margin strip. The surface is typically unpaved and may consist of grass, soil, or low vegetation, and may include drainage ditches, utilities, signs, and occasionally a pedestrian walkway.

Purpose and design: The verge helps with drainage, erosion control, and sightlines by providing a clear, non-carriageway zone alongside traffic. It also serves as a buffer between vehicles and pedestrians or adjacent land. Verge management varies by location: urban verges are often mowed and maintained to a tidy standard, while rural or ecological verges may be left to natural vegetation or planted with native species to support wildlife and pollinators. Maintenance decisions consider safety, drainage, and biodiversity.

Variations and related terms: The verge is distinct from a road shoulder in many jurisdictions, though definitions vary; shoulders may be paved or designed to bear traffic, while verges are not intended for regular vehicle use. The word verge is also used more broadly to denote the edge or boundary of anything (for example, the verge of a field) and as a verb meaning to approach or border (to verge on a crime). The Verge is a separate technology news organization.