Roads and Highways - Obstructions

• Service Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

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. Such obstructions are given by examples 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
• Unauthorized vendors/traders
• Encroachment of highway boundaries
• Discharge of water onto the highway
• Blocking "Rights of Way"
• Plants and Bushes
• Illegal Signs (Those not included in the Traffic Signs Regulations)
• 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 Highway Authority has legal powers to enforce their removal.

Report an Obstruction

To report an obstruction on the highway please contact the Highways using the information on the right of this page.