Road Adoption

Description

 

A private street is a road which is not maintained at public expense. This means the Council as highway authority is under no obligation to carry out repairs or clean the street.

New roads which have been constructed in accordance with the Council's guidelines are normally adopted by way of an agreement between the Council and the Developer, under Section 38 of the Highway Act 1980.

Existing private streets will not be adopted by the Council as highway authority unless they are brought up to current highway standards. These roads may be unpaved, without footways and kerbs, lighting, drainage, and so on. The surface will usually be in a poor condition.

The Council has a small annual revenue budget for carrying out make safe repairs to private streets.

  

Eligibility

 

Anyone can request information regarding a private street.

 

Procedure

 

Following a request concerning the condition of a private street the Council will consider what action can be taken, and provide advice to those responsible for the maintenance of the street.

The Council currently has a policy of not providing finance to assist in the making up of private streets. The majority of funding required needs to be provided by the owners of the street.

 

Helplines

 

Highways and Engineering General Enquiries, telephone: 01226 773555.

 

Charges/Fees

 

The Council will prepare an estimate to anyone wishing to make a private street up to adoptable standards.

 

 

Opening Times/Locations

Opening Times and Locations

How can the customer help

 

Please provide as much information as possible as to the location of the private street, for example, house numbers, rear of properties, and so on.

  

Legislation

 

Highways Act 1980.

 

Response Times/Next Steps

 

Within a month information will be given on what action can be taken concerning the private street.

 

 

Owner Officer Contact Details

 

Please see 'Helplines'.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does the Council provide finance to make up private streets?

No.

How many residents on the street have to agree to the making up of the street?

The Council requires over 90% of the owners of the street to confirm in writing that they would like to pay for the street to be made up to adoptable standard.

 

Last modified on 16/9/2008