Roads and highways - enforcement |
| We have a duty to protect the public rights on the road
and footpath network. The effectiveness of legislation in
protecting the public is dependent 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 Highways Works associated with new developments.
Countryside staff have a duty to ensure that public rights of way
are open and safe for use, free from obstruction and clearly
marked. They are responsible for checking that works requested of
owners/occupiers of land eg. 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 and maintained at
public expense provided they have been constructed in accordance
with the authority's standards.
We
have a duty to co-ordinate works on the highway, including the
works of Statutory Undertakers, 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 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.
Officers may deal with matters informally or formally and the
action may lead to prosecution.
For further information please contact the traffic management
team | |
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| Please note - Some documents published before
1st December 2006 may contain incorrect contact
numbers. |
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