Highways Act 1980
Officers robustly enforce the provisions of the Highways Act 1980 to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, that the highway is kept in a clear and unobstructed condition for the highway user. Anyone contravening the Highways Act is advised accordingly that any obstruction must be removed. Action may on occasion result in legal proceedings against the person contravening the Act.
The most common offences are as follows however this list in not exhaustive and if you are in any doubt please contact Network Management.
- Causing an obstruction on the road (typically by parking a caravan or trailer) -penalty fine up to £1000.
- Causing vehicular damage to the kerb or footway - penalty fine up to £1000
- Having trees or vegetation which overhang the footway. Cost - The full cost of having the tree or hedge cut back
- Causing an obstruction to pedestrians, (typically by placing advertising 'A' boards or goods for sale on the footway). penalty fine up to £1000
- Driving over a footway or verge to gain access to a private drive (you should have an authorised car crossing installed by the Council). If you wish to apply for a car crossing then please see the dropped kerb page or contact Network Management. Cost - The full cost of having a footway crossing installed.
- Siting a builders skip dangerously or without permission - penalty fine up to £1000. For permission please see the Skip Permits page
- Mixing mortar, cement or concrete on the road or footway (or placing any such materials on the road or footway) penalty fine up to £2500
- Posting notices on highway structures or trees (typically advertising signs on lamp posts, guardrails, traffic signs etc.) penalty fine up to £2500.
If you are in any doubt about any offences under the Highways Act then please contact Network Management.
New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA)
In addition to duties under the Highways Act 1980, the Council, as Street Authority, also has a duty to co-ordinate all works on the highway, including both our own works and those of Statutory Undertakers (Gas, Water, Electric, Telecommunications etc.), in accordance with NRSWA.
This coordination role is undertaken in the interests of safety, public convenience, the protection of the structure of the street and the integrity of apparatus in it.
The Council also has some powers regarding the timing of Street Works and the restriction of such works within 12 months of the completion of substantial road works.
Staff ensure that the requirements contained in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, and its supporting Codes of Practice, including those for traffic management and reinstatements are carried out effectively and efficiently to keep disruption to the highway user to a minimum.
If you have any issues regarding any works on the Highway please contact Network Management.