The council, as Highway Authority, has responsibility for the maintenance of the highway, including pavements or footways.
Trip hazards on pavements are a key concern at all times whilst the problems of weeds, standing water and ice tend to be more seasonal. Trip hazards and other defects on pavements are identified through inspections and other means, including reports from the public.
Maintenance standards for footways and cycleways do not necessarily reflect the classification of any adjacent road. They are determined by the amount of pedestrian usage and by local factors.
A hierarchy of footways and cycleways has been identified for the County as recommended by the LAA 'Code of Good Practice'. The hierarchy reflects the level of use and other local factors and all pavements have been placed into appropriate levels of the hierarchy.
If the following defects are found in footways:
Remedial work will be carried out on defects considered to be dangerous within 24 hours, though the inspector will endeavour to correct the defect or make it safe immediately. For defects which are not considered dangerous the level and speed of response will vary depending on the position of the footway in the hierarchy, the budget available and the scale and location of the defect.
Growth of weeds is generally prevented by regular weed spraying, but individual problems are dealt with by specific action.
Standing water can be prevented by reshaping the surface, and ice is treated as part of winter maintenance operations.
Pavements, particularly those constructed of paving slabs, can suffer very badly from overriding vehicles.
Please note: In the case of damage, it is important, if possible, to report the vehicle details/findings so that the Council can recover the full cost of repairs to the pavement.
When works are being undertaken on the highway (including the pavement/footway), the organisation, which may include utility companies, carrying out those works is responsible for ensuring there is a safe diversionary route for pedestrians and other traffic and a satisfactory reinstatement.
A private street is a street that is not maintainable by the Council (unadopted). Streets that are unadopted are generally in a condition not meeting the standard of adopted streets. These are usually unmade (no bituminous or concrete surface) or setts (cobbles).
The responsibility for private streets lies with the street owners. These are usually the people who live on the street.
This is usually the responsibility of the owner (usually the frontager). If the problem is thought to be a 'danger' (for example a deep hole in the road suddenly appearing) the Council can arrange to make safe by placing barriers or road closures around the hazard. However, the permanent remedials are then to be carried out by the owner/s.
If you wish to report a problem with pavements (including dangerous paving), please telephone (01375) 366100.
Occasionally items such as paving blocks or slabs, signs, gully gratings or manhole covers are stolen from the highway, possibly either for their scrap value, or for use elsewhere by individuals.
Often a safety hazard can be created, causing a danger to users of the highway. Replacement of missing items is an unnecessary drain on already limited resources allocated for maintenance of our roads and pavements.
If you are aware of any items missing from the highway, whether there is a hazard caused or not, please telephone (01375) 366100.
Vehicles parking on pavements causing an obstruction are a police matter.
Items such as skips, building materials, large items should be referred to the Highways Department.
