Builders' skips
A permit from the council is needed if a builders' skip is to be left on the road, grass verge, pavement or back passageway. Any form of scaffolding or hoarding affecting the highway also needs a permit.
Building materials
Permission from the council is needed if you are planning to leave building materials on the highway. It is an offence to mix mortar or cement anywhere on roads, verges and pavements without first protecting them with a board or similar. It is also an offence to wash the remaining materials onto the road and into a grid, which could then become blocked.
Advertising and sandwich boards
Free-standing 'A' boards usually put out on the pavement to advertise are illegal on the public highway. They obstruct visually-impaired and disabled people, the elderly and people with prams. They can also obscure young children who are trying to cross the road.
The council is always trying to keep pavements clear of such obstructions. If you have difficulty in passing, a quiet word with the shopkeeper may help. But if you know of any obstruction which the shopkeeper won't move, please contact us.
Advertising on street furniture
Advertising signs fixed to lamp posts or signs may be illegal. Please help us by informing us of any such adverts.
Overhanging branches
Hedges, bushes and trees which overhang onto the highway, can be a real danger to motorists and pedestrians. They can block visibility at junctions, obscure street lights, injure pedestrians and force them into the roadway.
Landowners and householders have a duty to cut back any overhanging bushes and hedges. If you experience difficulties, you could speak to the owner who may not be aware of the problem. Alternatively, please contact us.
Parked vehicles
Parked cars and lorries on pavements can damage flagstones causing a tripping hazard. Such parking is also a danger to visually-impaired people, and are a particular problem around schools because they will obscure young children on the road and pavement. Please report such incidents to the police.
Please also be aware that it is an offence for motorists to drive a vehicle across a pavement or verge, unless they have a proper crossing or driveway from the road.
Other hazards
You can report other hazards, such as potholes, dangerous gullies and manholes to us online here, or on the council's Environmental Services Helpline 01942 404364.
