• Home
• Clean Streets

Unauthorised Signs & Obstructions on the Highway Policy

1. The Council will comply with it's duty in relation to the removal of unlawful obstructions on the highway as set out in the Highway Act 1980 and any relevant legislation.

   1. The Highway in legal terms includes, adopted roads, verges, pavement and additionally some locations attached or adjacent, which are also adopted.

   2. It is likely that A boards are in use in localised areas; these cause obstruction problems and road safety hazards. Therefore A Boards will not be accepted.

   3. Any unauthorised signage, A board or obstruction is an offence under Highways Act 1980.

   4. Any person displaying or using such a sign will be instructed to remove immediately, if this fails to happen Street Services will remove and recover the costs of taking such action against the offender.

   5. Where any sign, A board / obstruction that is identified as creating a hazard for Highway users will be removed immediately.

   6. Any signage, A Board or obstruction attached to street furniture will be removed.

   7. Signage on private areas needs to comply with provisions in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which control size, appearance and positioning of such advertisements.

Report an incident online

Damaged / Obstructed Pavements - report online Thurrock Council has responsibility for the maintenance of pavements and footpaths in the borough. Dangerous pavements can result in accidents if the surface has become uneven, or where paving stones have been stolen, or if an obstruction blocks access for pedestrians. Please notify us of any problems with pavements.

Highway Spillages / Obstructions - report online The local authority is responsible for keeping the highway clean and free from spillages and obstructions. Where spillages are of a hazardous nature, the local police and fire service may also be involved in the incident and road closures may be required. Please report any spillage or obstruction that could cause a serious danger to road users.

Uncleaned / Obstructed Verges - report online The majority of grass verges adjacent to roads are within the public highway. Thurrock Council is required to keep these safe, unobstructed and well-maintained. Please report any problems with the borough's verges. Note: if the problem relates to an abandoned vehicle, please use the Abandoned Vehicles form.

Back to Top