Meet environmental compliance requirements
- 1 step
UK Act of Parliament
1980
United Kingdom
Highways Act 1980
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
109 compliance obligations, 6 practical guides across 2 topics · 7 journeys · 1 statutory instrument
Penalty landscape
26 of 109 obligations carry a fine up to £1,000. 28 carry different penalties and 55 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 50
- Occupier 12
- Director or Officer 2
- Operator 1
Plus 44 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Direct — cites this Act
4 guidesMentioned in related content
2 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 749 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 110 duties
- Licensing Act 2003 2003 105 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 97 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 86 duties
Occupiers also bound by 101 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England/Wales comparison) 2005 23 duties
- Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 2006 21 duties
- Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006 2006 15 duties
- Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015 2015 13 duties
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 2022 11 duties
Directors and Officers also bound by 224 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 75 duties
- Companies Act 2006 2006 63 duties
- Insolvency Act 1986 1986 46 duties
- CCBSA 2014 2014 22 duties
- CAICEA 2004 2004 18 duties
Operators also bound by 125 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 71 duties
- Payment Services Regulations 2017 2017 41 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 34 duties
- The Quarries Regulations 1999 1999 31 duties
- Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 2015 22 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part I — Highway Authorities and Agreements Between Authorities
Highway authority for road which ceases to be a trunk road.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities and TfL must take over responsibility for former trunk roads Local authority
Agreement for exercise by Minister or strategic highways company of certain functions of local highway authority as respects highway affected by construction, etc. of trunk road.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways and local authorities may agree to transfer road functions Statutory regulator
Delegation etc. of functions with respect to trunk roads.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Councils must follow strict conditions when managing trunk roads Local authority
Browse 6 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Highway authorities: general provision.
Highway authority for approaches to and parts of certain bridges.
Agreement for local highway authority to maintain and improve certain highways constructed or to be constructed by Minister or strategic highways company.
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Agreements between local highway authorities and strategic highways companies for doing of certain works.
Seconding of staff etc.
Part II — Trunk Roads, Classified Roads, Metropolitan Roads, Special Roads
Certification and records of GLA roads.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Transport for London must maintain and share GLA road records Statutory regulator
Browse 17 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
General provision as to trunk roads.
Local and private Act functions with respect to trunk roads.
General provision as to principal and classified roads.
Power to change designation of principal roads.
Powers as respects roads that cross or join trunk or classified roads.
Designation of first GLA roads by Secretary of State.
Orders of the Authority changing what are GLA roads.
Construction of provisions relating to GLA roads.
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General provision as to special roads.
Classification of traffic for purposes of special roads.
Supplementary orders relating to special roads.
Certain special roads and other highways to become trunk roads.
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Extinguishment of rights of statutory undertakers as to apparatus etc. in connection with orders under section 14 or 18 and schemes under section 16.
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Compensation in respect of certain works executed in pursuance of orders under section 14 or 18.
Part III — Creation of Highways
Creation of footpath , bridleway or restricted byway by agreement.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must formalise and publicise new public path agreements Local authority
Making up of new footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authority must certify and prepare new public paths Local authority
Compensation for loss caused by public path creation order.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local Authority must compensate for losses from path creation orders Local authority
Duty to have regard to agriculture, forestry and nature conservation.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Councils must consider farming and nature when creating public paths Local authority
Register of maps, statements and declarations.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must maintain a public register of highway declarations Local authority
Browse 8 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Construction of new highways and provision of road-ferries.
Compulsory powers for creation of footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways.
Dedication of highway by agreement with parish or community council.
Dedication of way as highway presumed after public use for 20 years.
Evidence of dedication of way as highway.
Protection of rights of reversioners.
Conversion of private street into highway.
Creation of walkways by agreement.
Part IV — Maintenance of Highways
Duty to maintain highways maintainable at public expense.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authorities must maintain public roads and clear snow or ice Local authority
Supplemental provisions with respect to the getting of materials under section 45.
Fine up to £200- Unlawfully taking highway repair materials Any Person
Browse 24 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Highways maintainable at public expense.
Provisions whereby highway created by dedication may become maintainable at public expense.
Power of highway authorities to adopt by agreement.
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Adoption of private streets.
Power of district councils to maintain certain highways.
Power of parish and community councils to maintain footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways.
Person liable to maintain highway may agree to maintain publicly maintainable highway.
Power to get materials for repair of publicly maintainable highways.
Power of magistrates’ court to declare unnecessary highway to be not maintainable at public expense.
Power of magistrates’ court to order a highway to be again maintainable at public expense.
Maintenance of approaches to certain privately maintainable bridges.
Maintenance of privately maintainable footpaths and bridleways.
No liability to maintain by reason of enclosure if highway fenced with consent of highway authority.
Power to get materials for repair of privately maintainable highways.
Power of magistrates’ court to extinguish liability to maintain privately maintainable highway.
Extinguishment of liability to maintain privately maintainable highway diverted by order of magistrates’ court.
Extinguishment of liability to maintain or improve bridges comprised in trunk roads and special roads.
Proceedings for an order to repair highway.
Default powers of highway authorities in respect of non-repair of privately maintainable highways.
Special defence in action against a highway authority for damages for non-repair of highway.
Recovery of expenses due to extraordinary traffic.
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Regulations supplementing maintenance powers of district councils.
Part V — Improvement of Highways
Margins for horses and livestock.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authority must provide safety margins for horses and livestock Local authority
Power to prescribe improvement line for widening street.
Fine up to £200- Unauthorised building or excavation near a street widening line Any Person
Power to prescribe a building line.
Fine up to £200- Build or excavate beyond a prescribed building line Any Person
Prevention of obstruction to view at corners.
Fine up to £200- Fail to comply with obstruction‑to‑view notice Occupier
Protection of bridges and railways.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authority must obtain consent before installing cattle-grids near bridges Local authority
Consultation and local inquiries.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authorities must consult and notify before installing road humps Local authority
Drainage of highways.
Amended 3 times- Interfering with highway drainage systems Any Person
Power to fill in roadside ditches etc.
Amended 1 time- Unlawfully reopen a filled-in roadside ditch Any Person
Provision of posts to indicate depth of flood water.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authorities must provide flood depth markers where necessary Local authority
Browse 48 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
General power of improvement.
Relief of main carriageway of trunk road from local traffic.
Dual carriageways and roundabouts.
Cycle tracks.
Footways and guard-rails etc. for publicly maintainable highways.
Guard-rails etc. in private streets.
Refuges.
Subways.
Footbridges over highways.
Widening of highways.
Variation of widths of carriageways and footways.
Levelling of highways.
Alteration of levels.
Cutting off of corners.
Power to fence highways.
Provision of highway boundary posts.
Provision of cattle-grids and by-passes.
Removal of cattle-grids and discontinuance of by-passes.
Maintenance of cattle-grids and by-passes.
Exercise of powers by agreement between neighbouring authorities.
Supersession of gates by cattle-grids.
Agreements for use of land for cattle-grids or by-passes.
Contributions towards expenditure of highway authorities.
Delegation to certain authorities of functions of Minister.
Construction of road humps by highway authority.
Additional powers of the Secretary of State.
Special procedure for certain road humps in London.
Regulations concerning construction and maintenance of road humps.
Status of road humps.
Meaning of “road hump” and interpretation of sections 90A to 90E.
Powers to carry out traffic calming works.
Special procedure for certain traffic calming works in London.
Prescribing of works.
Status of works authorised by section 90G.
Construction of bridge to carry existing highway maintainable at public expense.
Reconstruction of bridge maintainable at public expense.
Power to make orders as to reconstruction, improvement, etc., of privately maintainable bridges.
Powers of highway authorities and bridge owners to enter into agreements.
Supplemental provisions as to orders and agreements under sections 93 and 94.
Power to install equipment for detection of traffic offences etc.
Powers of highway and local authorities to plant trees, lay out grass verges, etc.
Duty of local highway authorities in England to consult before felling street trees
Lighting of highways.
Delegation of lighting functions of highway authority.
Metalling of highways.
Provision of works for protecting highways against hazards of nature.
Mitigating nuisance of dust.
Power to improve road-ferries.
Part VA — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
Publication of screening decisions: projects not to be subject to an environmental impact assessment
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Project authorities must publish screening decisions for highway projects Statutory regulator
Publication of screening decision and environmental statement for projects subject to an environmental impact assessment
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authorities must prepare and publish environmental statements Statutory regulator
Co-ordination
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways must co-ordinate environmental and habitats assessments Statutory regulator
... EEA States.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways or the Secretary of State must consult EEA States on projects Crown / Minister / Government department
Conclusion about environmental impact of a project for constructing or improving a highway
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways or local authorities must reach a conclusion on project impacts Statutory regulator
Decision about whether or not to proceed with a project subject to an environmental impact assessment
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways must assess environmental impacts before proceeding Statutory regulator
Timing of conclusion and decision
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- A project authority must decide on highway projects within a reasonable time Crown / Minister / Government department
Publication of conclusion and decision
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways or local authorities must publish project decisions Statutory regulator
Browse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Screening of projects for constructing or improving highways
Exemptions
Validity of decisions
Interpretation
Part VI — Construction of bridges over and tunnels under navigable waters and diversion etc. of watercourses
Orders and schemes providing for construction of bridges over or tunnels under navigable waters.
Amended 5 timesProvisions supplementary to section 106.
Amended 1 timeOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Minister must consider navigation needs and include technical bridge/tunnel plans Crown / Minister / Government department
Power to divert navigable watercourses.
Amended 3 timesPower to divert non-navigable watercourses and to carry out other works on any watercourse.
Amended 4 timesInterpretation of Part VI.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 1 other section in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part VII — Provision of Special Facilities for Highways
Provision of picnic sites and public conveniences for users of trunk roads.
Amended 10 timesExercise by council of functions of Minister or a strategic highways company with respect to management or provision of picnic sites etc.
Amended 10 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities may manage picnic sites and facilities under agreement Local authority
Provision of public conveniences by county council for users of roads for which they are the highway authority.
Amended 3 timesBrowse 1 other section in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part VIIA — Provision of Amenities on Certain Highways
Notices to be given before exercise of powers under Part VIIA.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Council must provide public notice before permitting structures on highways Local authority
Duties to consult or obtain consent of other authorities.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Councils must consult and obtain consent before modifying or using highways Local authority
Browse 8 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Scope of Part VIIA.
Provision etc. of services and amenities by councils.
Provision of recreation and refreshment facilities by councils.
Limits of powers under ss. 115B and 115C.
Execution of works and use of objects etc. by persons other than councils.
Power to impose conditions on permissions under section 115E.
Consents not to be unreasonably withheld.
Failure to comply with terms of permission.
Part 8A — Restriction of rights over highway
Gating orders
Amended 1 timeEffect of gating orders
Amended 1 timeProcedure for gating orders
Amended 1 timeValidity of gating orders
Amended 1 timePublication and availability of gating orders
Amended 1 timeVariation and revocation of gating orders
Amended 1 timeInterpretation
Amended 1 timePart VIII — Stopping up and diversion of highways and stopping up of means of access to highways
Power of magistrates’ court to authorise stopping up or diversion of highway.
Amended 6 timesStopping up of footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways.
Amended 6 timesStopping up of footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways crossing railways.
Amended 6 timesStopping up of certain highways for purposes of crime prevention, etc.
Amended 6 timesApplication by proprietor of school for special extinguishment order.
Amended 6 timesApplication for a public path extinguishment order.
Amended 6 timesDiversion of footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways.
Amended 12 timesDiversion of footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways crossing railways.
Amended 12 timesDiversion of certain highways for purposes of crime prevention, etc.
Amended 12 timesApplication by proprietor of school for special diversion order.
Amended 12 timesDiversion of certain highways for protection of sites of special scientific interest.
Amended 12 timesProvisions supplementary to section 119D.
Amended 12 timesApplication for a public path diversion order.
Amended 12 timesExercise of powers of making public path extinguishment and diversion orders.
Amended 24 timesSupplementary provisions as to public path extinguishment and diversion orders.
Amended 18 timesRegulations with respect to applications for orders.
Unlimited fine Amended 18 times- Provide false information in public path order applications Any Person
Register of applications.
Amended 18 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must maintain a public register of path orders Local authority
Cases where council may decline to determine applications.
Amended 18 timesRight of appeal to Secretary of State in respect of applications for orders.
Amended 18 timesDetermination of appeals.
Amended 18 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must determine appeals regarding path orders Crown / Minister / Government department
Stopping up of private access to highways.
Amended 9 timesFurther powers to stop up private access to premises.
Amended 2 timesPenalty for using access which has been stopped up.
Fine up to £1,000- Use an access point that has been legally closed Any Person
Further provisions with respect to new means of access.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 5 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Application for order under section 116 on behalf of another person.
Power to make temporary diversion where highway about to be repaired or widened.
Saving and interpretation.
Provisions supplementary to sections 124 and 125 etc.
Stopping up private access to premises by agreement.
Part IX — Lawful and Unlawful Interference With Highways and Streets
Protection of public rights.
Amended 1 timeOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must protect public rights to use and enjoy highways Local authority
Notices to enforce duty regarding public paths.
Amended 1 timeOrders following notice under section 130A.
Amended 1 timeSection 130B: procedure.
Amended 1 time- Serve notice of intent before apply for a public path obstruction order Any Person
Section 130B: costs.
Amended 1 timePenalty for damaging highway etc.
Fine up to £1,000- Damage a public highway or traffic equipment Any Person
Disturbance of surface of certain highways.
Fine up to £1,000- Unauthorised disturbance of the surface of public paths Any Person
Unauthorised marks on highways.
Fine up to £2,500- Unauthorised marking or tagging of highways and structures Any Person
Ploughing etc. of footpath or bridleway.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 1 time- Fail to restore or mark a footpath after agricultural work Occupier
Authorisation of other works disturbing footpath , bridleway or restricted byway.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 5 times- Breach conditions for agricultural works on public paths Occupier
Temporary diversion for dangerous works.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 5 times- Improper temporary diversion of a public footpath or bridleway Occupier
Temporary diversion for dangerous works: supplementary.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 5 times- Fail to repair or clear a path after temporary diversion Any Person
Damage to highway consequent on exclusion of sun and wind.
Fine up to £200- Fail to prune trees or hedges damaging a highway Occupier
Penalty for wilful obstruction.
51 weeks imprisonment Amended 3 times- Wilfully obstruct a public highway Any Person
Interference by crops.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 3 times- Fail to keep public rights of way clear of crops Occupier
Power to order offender to remove obstruction.
Amended 3 times- Fail to comply with court order to remove highway obstruction Any Person
Penalty for erecting building, etc., in highway.
Fine up to £1,000- Erect buildings, fences or hedges on a highway Any Person
Control of builders’ skips.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 3 times- Unauthorised or unsafe placement of builders’ skips on a highway Any Person
Removal of builders’ skips.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 2 times- Fail to remove or reposition a builder’s skip when ordered Any Person
Builder’s skips: charge for occupation of highway.
Amended 2 times- Pay charges for builder's skips occupying the highway for too long Operator
Builders' skips: charge determined by reference to duration of occupation of highway
Amended 2 timesRegulations under sections 140A and 140B
Amended 2 timesRestriction on planting of trees etc. in or near carriageway.
Fine up to £200 Amended 11 times- Unauthorised planting of trees or shrubs near a road Occupier
Licence to plant trees, shrubs, etc., in a highway.
Amended 2 timesPower to erect flagpoles etc. on highways.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 6 times- Interfere with or remove authorized highway structures Any Person
Powers as to gates across highways.
Fine up to £1,000- Failure to widen or remove narrow gates across highways Any Person
Duty to maintain stiles etc. on footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways.
Amended 10 timesPower to authorise erection of stiles etc. on footpath or bridleway.
Amended 8 timesRoad-side sales.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 8 times- Unauthorised or dangerous road-side selling Any Person
Agreements relating to improvements for benefit of persons with mobility problems.
Amended 8 timesPenalty for depositing things or pitching booths etc. on highway.
Fine up to £1,000- Unlawfully deposit items or pitch stalls on a highway Any Person
Removal of things so deposited on highways as to be a nuisance etc.
Amended 2 timesDuty to remove snow soil etc. from highway.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authorities must remove snow and soil obstructions from roads Local authority
Prevention of soil etc. being washed on to street.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 1 time- Failure to prevent soil or waste from washing onto the street Occupier
Powers as to removal of projections from buildings.
Fine up to £200- Failure to remove obstructions or projections from buildings Occupier
Doors etc. in streets not to open outwards.
Fine up to £200- Install doors or gates opening outwards onto a street Occupier
Cutting or felling etc. trees etc. that overhang or are a danger to roads or footpaths.
Amended 5 timesPenalties in connection with straying animals.
Fine up to £1,000- Allow livestock to stray onto or lie on a highway Any Person
Penalties for causing certain kinds of danger or annoyance.
Fine up to £1,000- Cause danger, injury, or annoyance on public highways Any Person
Danger or annoyance caused by fires lit otherwise than on highways.
Unlimited fine- Cause highway danger or injury by lighting fires near roads Any Person
Penalty for placing rope, etc. across highway.
Fine up to £1,000- Place dangerous ropes or apparatus across a highway Any Person
Prevention of water falling on or flowing on to highway.
Fine up to £200- Fail to prevent water from your premises flowing onto the highway Occupier
Forecourt abutting on streets.
Amended 3 timesPowers relating to retaining walls near streets.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 8 times- Erect a large retaining wall near a street without approved plans Any Person
Building operations affecting public safety.
Unlimited fine- Cause a safety risk to the public during building works Any Person
Control of scaffolding on highways.
Unlimited fine Amended 16 times- Erect scaffolding on a highway without a license or safety measures Any Person
Control of mixing of mortar etc. on highways.
Fine up to £2,500 Amended 6 times- Improperly mixing or depositing mortar or cement on a highway Any Person
Control of deposit of building materials and making of excavations in streets.
Unlimited fine Amended 2 times- Unauthorised or unsafe deposits and excavations in the street Any Person
Works under s. 169 or s. 171: charge for occupation of the highway.
Amended 2 times- Pay charges for occupying the highway beyond agreed durations Any Person
Scaffolding, building materials and excavations: charge determined by reference to duration of occupation of highway
Amended 2 timesRegulations under sections 171A and 171B
Amended 2 timesHoardings to be set up during building etc.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 5 times- Fail to erect or maintain safety hoardings during building work Any Person
Hoardings to be securely erected.
Fine up to £200 Amended 3 times- Fail to securely erect street hoardings or fences Any Person
Precautions to be taken by persons executing works in streets.
Fine up to £10 Amended 3 times- Ensure safety and protection when carrying out street works Any Person
Liability of certain persons in respect of materials left on highway.
Fine up to £200- Leave dangerous materials on a highway at night Director or Officer
Restriction on construction of bridges over highways.
Fine up to £500- Constructing or maintaining a bridge over a highway without a valid licence Any Person
Restriction on construction of buildings over highways.
Amended 11 times- Obtain a licence before building over a public highway Any Person
Restriction on placing rails, beams etc. over highways.
Amended 9 times- Obtain consent before placing apparatus over a highway Any Person
Control of construction of cellars etc. under street.
Amended 1 time- Obtain consent before building cellars or vaults under a street Any Person
Control of openings into cellars etc. under streets, and pavement lights and ventilators.
Fine up to £200 Amended 1 time- Unauthorised street openings or pavement works Any Person
Vehicle crossings over footways and verges.
Fine up to £1,000- Breach of conditions for crossing a pavement or verge Any Person
Power to install refuse or storage bins in streets.
Amended 3 timesBrowse 13 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Damage to footways of streets by excavations.
Power to remove structures from highways.
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Further powers of highway authorities and district council in relation to highways.
Power to require removal of barbed wire.
Dangerous land adjoining street.
Duty to have regard to needs of disabled and blind in executing works, etc.
Consent of highway authority required for trunk road access
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Part X — New Streets
Browse 17 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
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Part XI — Making up of Private Streets
Interpretation of Part XI.
Amended 7 timesPurposes and application of private street works code and advance payments code.
Amended 1 timeStreet works in private streets.
Amended 2 timesPower to amend specification, apportionment, etc.
Amended 1 timeFinal apportionment and objections to it.
- Object to final street work charges Any Person
Financial provisions.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Street works authority must maintain separate accounts for private street works Local authority
Payments to be made by owners of new buildings in respect of street works.
Amended 10 times- Erect building on private street without paying required street‑works contribution Any Person
Determination of liability for, and amount of, payments.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 17 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local Authority must issue notice for advance street works payments Local authority
Determination to cease to have effect when plans not proceeded with.
Amended 15 timesCertain matters to be local land charges.
Amended 1 timeCompensation for damage caused by execution of street works.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Street works authority must pay compensation for damage Local authority
Power to treat as a private street land designated for purposes of this section by development plan.
Amended 4 timesEvasion of private street works expenses by owners.
- Do not transfer property to evade street works charges Any Person
Browse 22 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Incidental works.
Provisional apportionment of expenses.
Objections to proposed works.
Hearing and determination of objections.
Recovery of expenses and charge thereof on premises.
Power for limited owners to borrow for expenses.
Exemption for place of public religious worship.
Certain railways and canals not to be chargeable with expenses.
Objections only to be made as provided by private street works code.
Saving for Thames Water Authority and Port of London Authority.
Refunds etc. where work done otherwise than at expense of street works authority.
Sums paid or secured to be in discharge of further liability for street works.
Interest on sums paid under advance payments code.
Power to vary width of carriageway and footway on making up a private street.
Widening of highway comprised in private street.
Adoption of private street after execution of street works.
Power of majority of frontagers to require adoption where advance payment made.
Urgent repairs to private streets.
Appeal to Minister under private street works code.
Provisions as to private street in area of more than one street works authority.
Contribution by street works authority to expenses of street works.
Power of street works authority to grant charging order.
Part XII — Acquisition, Vesting and Transfer of Land etc.
Acquisition of land for construction, improvement etc. of highway: general powers.
Amended 12 timesAcquisition of land in connection with construction, improvement etc. of highway: further general powers.
Amended 8 timesAcquisition of land for mitigating adverse effects of constructing or improving highway.
Amended 8 timesGeneral provision as to acquisition procedure etc.
Amended 3 timesDistance limits from highway applicable to compulsory acquisition.
Amended 1 timeLand acquisition powers to extend to creation as well as acquisition of rights.
Amended 7 timesRights acquired to be binding on successive owners of the land.
Amended 4 timesPower of landowner affected by rights acquisition to compel acquisition of whole interest.
Amended 4 timesCompulsory acquisition for certain purposes of rights in land belonging to local authorities etc.
Amended 8 timesLiability for certain expenses resulting from order under section 254.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authority must pay for bridge works and related expenses Crown / Minister / Government department
Provisions relating to objections to compulsory purchase orders.
Amended 1 timePower to confirm, etc., compulsory purchase order in part and postpone consideration of remainder.
Amended 1 timeClearance of title to land acquired for statutory purposes.
Amended 3 timesBenefit to vendor to be taken into account in assessing compensation on certain compulsory acquisitions for highway purposes.
Amended 10 timesAssumptions to be made in assessing compensation on certain compulsory acquisitions of land for service stations etc. and lorry areas for special roads.
Amended 3 timesVesting of highways maintainable at public expense.
Amended 1 timeVesting of drains etc. of certain roads.
Amended 1 timeTransfer of property and liabilities upon a highway becoming or ceasing to be a trunk road.
Amended 31 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must provide information when highways change status Local authority
Transfer to Minister or a strategic highways company of privately maintainable bridges carrying trunk roads.
Amended 12 timesTransfer of property and liabilities upon a highway becoming or ceasing to be a GLA road.
Amended 12 timesTransfer of employees upon a highway becoming or ceasing to be a GLA road.
Amended 12 timesTransfer to local highway authorities of privately maintainable bridges carrying special roads.
Amended 3 timesTransfer of property and liabilities in connection with special roads etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State may transfer road property and liabilities by order Crown / Minister / Government department
Provisions with respect to transfer of toll highways to highway authorities.
Amended 3 timesBrowse 13 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Interpretation etc. of Part XII.
Acquisition of land between improvement line and boundary of street.
Acquisition of land for execution of works in connection with certain bridges.
Acquisition of land for cattle-grids etc.
Acquisition of land for road-ferries.
Acquisition of land for buildings etc. needed for discharge of functions of highway authority.
Acquisition of land by Secretary of State , strategic highways company or Assembly for buildings etc. needed for traffic management purposes
Acquisition in advance of requirements.
Agreements as to use of land near highways.
Power to exchange land to adjust boundaries of highways.
Compulsory acquisition proceedings taken concurrently with other related proceedings, etc.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Transfer of lighting systems.
Part XIII — Financial Provisions
Advances for highway purposes.
Amended 2 timesContributions by councils towards expenses of highway authorities.
Amended 1 timeContributions by parish or community councils.
Amended 1 timeContributions by councils and local planning authorities towards expenses incurred in connection with footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways.
Amended 3 timesContributions to land drainage works which will benefit trunk roads.
Amended 2 timesContribution towards maintenance of bridge where road ceases to be a trunk road.
Amended 2 timesAgreements as to execution of works.
Amended 3 timesApplication of certain sums payable to local highway authorities.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local highway authorities must use specific recovered funds for capital projects Local authority
Exemption from stamp duty.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Minister may certify trunk road instruments as exempt from stamp duty Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Contributions by county councils to expenses of district councils under section 96.
Borrowing power of councils.
Stamp duty land tax
Part XIV — Miscellaneous and Supplementary Provisions
Power of highway authority to execute works for mitigating adverse effect of constructing or improving etc. highway.
Amended 2 timesPowers of Minister or strategic highways company in relation to privately maintainable parts of trunk roads.
Amended 1 timeTrunk roads: miscellaneous functions of Secretary of State and strategic highways company.
Amended 1 timePower of Minister and Greater London Council to execute in Greater London road improvements not involving widening.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must respond to road improvement proposals in London Local authority
Power to erect barriers in streets in cases of emergency etc.
Fine up to £200 Amended 2 times- Unlawfully remove emergency street barriers or equipment Any Person
Power to require gas and water pipes to be moved.
Amended 1 timePowers of entry of highway authority for the purpose of survey.
Amended 1 timeSupplementary provisions as to powers of entry for the purpose of survey.
Amended 6 timesCompensation for damage resulting from, and offences connected with, exercise of powers of entry etc. under section 289 or 291.
Fine up to £1,000- Obstructing highway powers of entry or interfering with equipment Any Person
Powers of entry for purposes connected with certain orders relating to footpaths and bridleways.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 2 times- Obstructing legal entry to land for footpath surveys Any Person
Power of highway authority or council to require information as to ownership of land.
2 years imprisonment- Fail to provide or falsify land ownership information Occupier
Duty of local authorities to furnish information to county councils and the Greater London Council.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- District councils must provide highway information to county councils Local authority
Right of local authorities to use vehicles and appliances on footways , bridleways and restricted byways.
Amended 6 timesPenalty for obstructing execution of Act.
Fine up to £200- Obstructing highway works or local authority officers Any Person
Disputes as to compensation which are to be determined by Upper Tribunal and related provisions.
Amended 21 timesDisputes as to compensation which are to be determined by arbitration or county court.
Amended 1 timeContinuing offences.
Unlimited fine Amended 1 time- Continue an offence after being convicted under the Highways Act Any Person
Offences by body corporate.
Amended 1 time- Company and officers liable for highway offences committed with their consent or neglect Director or Officer
Fixed penalties for certain offences under Part 9
Amended 1 timeNotice to be given of right of appeal.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Authorities must notify you of appeal rights and deadlines Local authority
Appeals to the Crown Court from decisions of magistrates’ courts.
Amended 1 timeEffect of decision of court upon an appeal.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Authorities must implement court decisions following an appeal Local authority
Form of notices etc.
- Use written format for all official highway notices and applications Any Person
Service of notices etc.
Amended 1 timeProvisions as to regulations, schemes and orders.
Amended 15 timesRevocation and variation of schemes and orders.
Amended 10 timesFurther provision as to interpretation.
Amended 36 timesConstruction of certain enactments relating to execution of works by statutory undertakers.
Amended 1 timeReferences to functions of council as respects any highway.
Amended 1 timeSaving for rights and liabilities as to interference with highways.
Amended 1 times.334
Amended 13 timesSaving for obligation to obtain planning permission or development consent
Amended 3 timesSaving for works etc. of drainage authorities etc.
Amended 2 timesApplication to Isles of Scilly.
Amended 2 timesBrowse 34 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Power of Minister to conduct experiments.
Power to require angles of new buildings at corners of streets to be rounded off.
Powers of entry of highway authority for purpose of maintaining, etc. certain structures and works.
Entry, etc., of premises by highway authority or council for certain purposes.
Power of councils to dispose of certain materials.
Power of highway authority or council to execute certain works on behalf of other person.
Right to discharge water.
Restriction on exercise of powers of lighting authorities.
London borough council exercising powers so as to affect another authority’s roads.
Royal Parks or highways in London affected by proposals relating to the other.
Provisions as to inquiries.
Power to require occupier to permit works to be executed by owner.
Recovery of expenses by councils and highway authorities.
Time-limit for summary proceedings for recovery of expenses.
Compensation in respect of depreciation in value of interest in land subject to mortgage.
Summary proceedings for offences.
Restriction on institution of proceedings.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Appeals and applications to magistrates’ courts.
Judges and justices not to be disqualified by liability to rates.
Authentication of documents etc.
Reckoning of periods.
Regulations for procedure in connection with, and centre line of roads authorised etc. by, certain schemes and orders.
Application of Act to Crown land.
Meaning of “highway”.
Widening of carriageway not to cease to be improvement by reason of diminution etc. of footway.
Saving for minerals etc.
Saving for Coast Protection Act 1949.
Saving for works, etc., of dock, harbour and canal undertakers.
Preservation of amendments.
Amendment of section 303 of Public Health Act 1875.
Amendment of section 41 of the Countryside Act 1968.
Transitional provisions, amendments and repeals.
Short title, commencement and extent.
Schedules
Procedure for Determination by Highway Authority of Certain Questions Arising in Connection with Provision of Cattle-Grid or By-Pass
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Highway authority must consult and notify before installing cattle-grids Local authority
Maintenance of Certain Highways by District Councils
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- District councils must maintain a public list of highways they manage Local authority
Transitional Provisions
Fine up to £1,000- Misuse of grass verges or footways as vehicle crossings Any Person
Browse 25 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Procedures for Making or Confirming Certain Orders and Schemes
Validity and Date of Operation of Certain Schemes and Orders
Provisions as to Making, Confirmation, Validity and Date of Operation of Certain Orders Relating to Footpaths , Bridleways and Restricted Byways
Consents Required for Execution of Certain Works in Streets
Provisions with Respect to Notices Under Section 184
Application of Advance Payments Code
Purposes for which Additional Land May be Taken in Advance of Requirements
Acquisition of Land or Rights: Related Schemes and Orders
Transitional Matters Arising where a Highway Becomes a Trunk Road or a Trunk Road Ceases to be a Trunk Road
Consequential Amendments
Provisions of this Act Referred to in Section 11
Classes of Traffic for Purposes of Special Roads
Modifications of Certain Provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as Applied by Section 21
Improvement Lines and Building Lines
Provisions as to Orders under Section 93 of this Act
Provisions as to Orders Under Section 116 and Conveyances Under Section 256
Further Powers of Highway Authorities and Councils in Relation to Interference with Highways
Delegation of function of making determination
Deductions from Rents
Distance Limits from Highway Applicable to Compulsory Acquisition
Compulsory Acquisition of Rights: Modification of 1946 and 1965 Acts
Provisions of this Act to which Sections 288, 294, 312, 338, 339 and 341 of this Act Apply
fixed penalty offences under part 9
Fixed penalties for certain offences under Part 9
Repeals
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Street Works Charges and Penalties 2026 (opens in a new tab) Other
- Apply for a dropped kerb (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Street works permit schemes conditions (opens in a new tab) Publication
- Street works permit schemes - statutory guidance (December 2025) (opens in a new tab) Publication
- Issuing section 50 street works licences (opens in a new tab) Publication
- National Highways - working on our network (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 (DfT) (opens in a new tab) Publication
- Manual for Streets (DfT) (opens in a new tab) Publication
- Planning Practice Guidance - Transport (DLUHC) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- ... and 1 more
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Local Authority
PrimaryLocal Authority (Environmental Health / Licensing / Planning)
Local councils enforce food safety (via Environmental Health Officers), issue alcohol licences, grant planning permission, and regulate certain business activities at local …
The Planning Inspectorate
Examines applications for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) under the Planning Act 2008, including large offshore wind farms, power stations, and transmission …
Government company responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving England's strategic road network (motorways and major A-roads). Sets standards for highway design, construction, …
Connected legislation
1 statutory instrument
These instruments amend, apply, or refer to this Act. They may not all create direct business obligations.
Secondary legislation (1)
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