Enforcement of obstuctions
It is an offence to obstruct the free passage of the public highway. The Council has a duty to protect the public’s access rights on the road and footway network. The effectiveness of legislation in protecting the public is dependant on the compliance of others.
Obstructions are objects which have been unlawfully placed on or which overhang the highway. Some examples of highway obstructions are given below:
- builders' skips
- scaffolding/hoardings
- builders materials
- temporary works including traffic lights
- overhanging tree branches, hedges
- mud/debris on the road
- mixing concrete/mortar on the highway
- unauthorised vendors/traders
- encroachment of highway boundaries (this is where ownership of areas of the highway has been unlawfully assumed)
- discharge of water onto the highway
- blocking "Rights of Way"
- plants and bushes
- illegal Signs
Encroachments are where ownership of areas of the highway has been unlawfully assumed.
If a person without lawful authority or excuse wilfully obstructs the highway, they are guilty of an offence. In such a case the Environmental Enforcement Team has the power to remove the obstructions.
To report any obstructions, please contact the Environmental Enforcement Team
Page updated: 14 Feb 2008