Regulator profile
National Highways
Enforcement Regulator3 areas of regulation · 10 laws enforced · England
What National Highways does
Government company responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving England's strategic road network (motorways and major A-roads). Sets standards for highway design, construction, and maintenance. Issues technical standards and specifications for road construction works.
Additional information
Formerly Highways England. Key source of technical standards (DMRB, MCHW) for road construction. Works with local highway authorities.
Contact National Highways
Types of regulation
Legal framework
Legislation that National Highways directly enforces.
Primary legislation
- Highways Act 1980 Act 1980
- Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 Act 1984
- New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 Act 1991
- Traffic Management Act 2004 Act 2004
Secondary legislation
- Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 UK Statutory Instrument 1982
- The Street Works (Reinstatement) Regulations 1992 UK Statutory Instrument 1992
- Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 UK Statutory Instrument 2003
- Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD 2016) UK Statutory Instrument 2016
- The A47 North Tuddenham to Easton Development Consent Order 2022 UK Statutory Instrument 2022
- Street and Road Works (Charges and Penalties) (Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 UK Statutory Instrument 2025
Related legislation
Legislation connected to National Highways's remit but not directly enforced — establishing Acts, amendments, referenced legislation, and context.
Establishing / enabling
-
Infrastructure Act 2015
UK Act of Parliament 2015
Administered / monitored
-
The A1 Trunk Road (Gateshead Western Bypass) (Closure of Layby) Order 2013
UK Statutory Instrument 2013 -
The A66 Trunk Road (Mainsgill Farm) (Temporary Restriction and Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2013
UK Statutory Instrument 2013 -
The M6 Motorway (Junction 1 to 2) (Temporary Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2013
UK Statutory Instrument 2013
Referenced in enforcement
-
Road Traffic Act 1988
UK Act of Parliament 1988 -
Planning Act 2008, Part 3
UK Act of Parliament 2008 -
Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Act 2012
UK Act of Parliament 2012 -
Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023
UK Act of Parliament 2023
Other publications
289 additional documents from National Highways.
Sectors regulated
Coverage area
England