<P> A road verge is a strip of grass or plants, and sometimes also trees, located between a roadway (carriageway) and a sidewalk (pavement). Verges are known by dozens of other names, often quite regional; see Terminology, below . </P> <P> The land is often public property, with maintenance usually being a municipal responsibility . Some municipal authorities, however, require that abutting property owners maintain their respective verge areas, as well as the adjunct footpaths or sidewalks . </P> <P> Benefits include visual aesthetics, increased safety and comfort of sidewalk users, protection from spray from passing vehicles, and a space for benches, bus shelters, street lights, and other public amenities . Verges are also often part of sustainability for water conservation or the management of urban runoff and water pollution and can provide useful wildlife habitat . Snow that has been ploughed off the street in colder climates often is stored in the area of the verge by default . </P>

Who owns the area between the sidewalk and the street
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