The Council has a duty to protect the public rights on the road and footway network. The effectiveness of legislation in protecting the public is dependant on the compliance of others.
Officers from time to time are required to deal with businesses and individuals who, for whatever reason, breach the statutory protection relating to highways. The initial aim of officers is to assist businesses and others to comply with their legal obligations without unnecessary expense or hardship. However, ultimately, firm action will be taken against those who disregard the law.
Enforcement action areas include:
- Public Rights of Way
- Highways and Highway works associated with new developments.
Public Rights of Way Officers have a duty to ensure that public rights of way are open and safe for us, free from obstruction and clearly marked. They are responsible for checking that works requested of owners/occupiers of land, for example, repair of stiles and clearance of crops have been carried out to a suitable standard.
The Council, as Highway Authority, has a duty to maintain adopted highways to safe and serviceable standards. Staff have to protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of such highways by ensuring they are free from nuisance, danger, obstructions, unlawful stopping up, interference and encroachments.
Carriageways, footways, verges and footpaths serving new developments will be adopted by the Council within a certain time scale and maintained at public expense provided they have been constructed in accordance with the Authority's standards.
The Council, as a Highway Authority, has a duty to co-ordinate works on the highway, including the works of Statutory Undertakers, in the interests of Traffic Management, safety, public convenience, the protection of the structure of the street and integrity of apparatus in it.
The Council also has 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 The Traffic Management Act 2000, and their supporting Codes of Practice, including those for reinstatements are carried out effectively and efficiently.
Officers may deal with matters informally or formally and the action may lead to prosecution.
If you feel that any of the above matters have caused problems, please contact Customer Services at the details below.
Freqently asked questions
What if an excavation or any street works is causing a danger or a nuisance to pedestrians or motorists?
Contact the Customer Contact Team, giving as much information as possible including location, name of company if known and nature of problem.
I have witnessed damage done to a footway or grass verge by vehicles travelling over it.
Contact the Customer Contact Team, giving as much information as possible including exact location, any information on the vehicle which may include registration number or name of company and any other information you may think is relevant.
I have noticed a footpath that I think may have been illegally blocked.
Contact the Customer Contact Team, with as much information as possible, including exact location and any details you think may be of help to any investigation that may take place.
I have seen a skip that I think is parked illegally, or is overflowing or has been on site for a long period.
Contact the Customer Contact Team to report this problem.
I have noticed some materials, which I think may have been illegally dumped.
Contact the Customer Contact Team with as much information as possible, including exact location and any details you think may be of help to any investigation that may take place.
Water is flowing over the footway.
Contact the Customer Contact Team with as much information as possible, including exact location and any details you think may be of help to any investigation that may take place.
How to contact us
