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Obstructions and roadworks on roads and highways
It is an offence to obstruct the free passage of the highway. Obstructions are objects which have been unlawfully placed on the highway or which overhang it.
Types of obstructions
Examples of obstructions are:
- builders' skips
- scaffolding/hoardings
- builders materials
- temporary works including traffic lights
- overhanging tree branches, hedges
- mud/debris on the road
- mixing concrete/mortar on the highway
- unauthorised vendors/traders
- encroachment of highway boundaries
- discharge of water onto the highway
- blocking
"rights of way"
- plants and bushes
- illegal signs
An encroachment is where an activity unlawfully takes over a section of a public roadway; for example, a garage forecourt over-extending on to the public highway.
If a person without lawful authority or excuse in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage of cars along a highway, they are guilty of an offence. In such cases the highway authority (your local council) has legal powers to enforce their removal. To report any obstructions, contact your local council.
Obstructions and roadworks
To find out about roadworks that are underway or programmed in your area, contact your local council.
The following links will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.
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