Highways Enforcement
Under the Highways Act 1980, the Council has a duty to protect public rights on the highways which include:
- roads (carriageways)
- pavements (footways)
- verges
- Public Rights of Way (footpaths and bridleways)
Enforcement covers many areas to keep the highways safe and serviceable ensuring that:
- Highways are free from nuisance, danger, obstruction, unlawful stopping up, interference and encroachment. This will include overhanging vegetation, building materials on the highway
and illegal signing. Please note that some "obstructions" of the highway can also be licensed (e.g. skips , scaffolds/hoardings and tables and chairs ) or can be authorised (e.g. temporary road closures for works or events). - Public Rights of Way are open and safe for use, free from obstruction and clearly marked.
- Highways work associated with new developments are adopted when constructed to the Borough of Poole standards.
- The requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act are implemented. This includes the effective coordination of works for Statutory Undertakers, private individuals and Highway Authority works. It also includes restricting the timings of roadworks (e.g. not within 12 months of substantial road works) and monitoring safety of sites and quality of reinstatements.
Reporting a highway enforcement problem
If you wish to notify us about enforcement problems please contact us on 01202 265255. Alternatively you can complete our form to report a road or pavement obstruction.
Abandoned vehicles , fly tipping , fly posting and graffiti are dealt with by Environmental and Consumer Protection Services who can be contacted on 01202 261700.
Obstructions caused by licenced motor vehicles on the highway for example blocked access to a driveway, are dealt with by the Police , who can be contacted on 01202 222222.
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