Ashfield District Council: Roads and Highways

Roads and Highways - obstructions

It is an offence to obstruct the free passage of the highway.

Obstructions are objects which have been unlawfully placed on or which overhang the highway. Such obstructions are given by examples below:

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
Encroachments are where ownership of areas of the highway has been unlawfully assumed.

If a person without lawful authority or excuse in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway, they are guilty of an offence. In such cases the Highway Authority has legal powers to enforce their removal.

To report any obstructions, please contact us.

Further Information

If you require any further advice or information.

Related Links

If you require information regarding

obstructed roads and highway
dangerous paving