It is an offence to obstruct public roads, footpaths and pavements.
Anyone found deliberately causing an obstruction without authorisation or a good excuse can be prosecuted.
The council can remove obstructions or make safe any part of the road or footpath that is dangerous, e.g. missing manhole covers.
Response times vary depending on the type of obstruction and whether or not it is causing a danger to the public.
Reporting an obstruction
Highways
Type of obstruction:
- Branches, bushes or hedges that overhang or block
- Road works safety barriers that have fallen over
- Street furniture that has been damaged e.g. bollards, litter bins or metal railings that have fallen over
Report an obstruction on a roads or footpath.
Environmental Health
Type of obstruction:
- Scaffolding or hoardings
- Builders' skips or materials e.g. piles of bricks, sand, concrete etc
- Signs or advertising boards that are unauthorised
- Shop goods or tables displaying goods on the pavement that are unauthorised
- Tables and chairs from pubs, cafes and restaurants
- Traders or vendors that are illegal or unauthorised
Please use the Obstructions (Environmental Health) Report Form.