It is an offence to obstruct the free passage of the highway.
Obstructions are objects which have been unlawfully placed on, or which overhang the highway. Obstructions can include:
- 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
- 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 in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway, they are guilty of an offence. In such cases the council has legal powers to enforce their removal.
To report items obstructing the highway please use the online highway reporting form or contact 01724 297000.
Parking on the highway
Parking on the highway is enforced by the police and traffic wardens. They are the only people who can move vehicles on if they are causing an obstruction on the highway or across an entrance to a property.
Useful contacts