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Home - North Yorkshire County Council
Website URL : http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3252


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Roads - obstructions

The County Council endeavours to keep the roads clear of dangerous obstructions and spillages whenever they occur or are reported.
Responsible agencyResponsibilityContact details

Highways agency

All motorways and trunk roads, e.g. A1(M), A19(T), A64(T), A64(T) etc.

0300 123 5000
North Yorkshire County Council

All other A, B and C class roads and most unclassified roads; some unclassified roads (e.g. residential streets, access roads on Industrial estates) are the responsibility of adjacent properties, landlords etc and not the County Council.

0845 8 72 73 74

County Council Responsibility

The County Council will make the road surface condition safe and clear where obstructions and spillages could cause an immediate hazard to road users or the environment.

The removal of obstructions and spillages can cause great expense to the Council. Wherever possible we try to recover costs from the person who has caused the problem. If you see someone cause an obstruction or spillage on the road, it would be helpful if you could report this to us as soon as possible providing as much information as possible, including:

  • Location
  • The date the obstruction/ spillage occurred
  • The vehicle registration (if applicable)
  • A description of the spillage/obstruction

Enforcement

If a person without lawful authority or excuse wilfully obstructs the free passage of cars along a highway, they are guilty of an offence under Section 137 Highways Act 1980. In such cases the County Council, as Highway Authority, has legal power to enforce their removal.

A magistrate's court can impose a maximum fine of £1,000 for anyone convicted of wilfully obstructing the highway.

Obstructions

An obstruction is anything that you think could be a danger to road users, or could hold up traffic. Obstructions on the highway come in many forms, they include: 

  • Weather related obstructions for example fallen trees in strong winds, flooded areas and snow drifts
  • Dead animals within the carriageway
  • Animal nuisance e.g. pest control (District Council responsibility)
  • Overhanging trees and vegetation
  • Mud on the road
  • Debris on the road
  • Skips, scaffolding/ hoardings, building materials or street cafes which are only permitted under licence issued by the County Council
  • Advertising boards
  • Planks placed in the highway to assist access
  • Walls, gates, fences and hedges place across the highway
  • Goods displayed outside shops beyond any private forecourt (unauthorised trading on the highway)
  • Projections onto the highway e.g. shop canopies beyond acceptable dimensions
  • Abandoned vehicles (District Council responsibility)
  • Illegal parking on footways and pavements

We will remove dangerous obstructions as soon as possible, however, in a county the size of North Yorkshire obstructions can occur without our knowledge. As a user of the road network, please drive carefully and be observant of road conditions and report any problems to us as soon as possible.

Obstructions - frequently asked questions
There is a fallen tree across the road. Who should I report this to?
What will happen when I report an obstruction on the highway?
Who do I report a dead animal on the road to?
There are road works barriers obstructing the pavement outside my house. Who can I contact to find our how long they will be there?
Is the County Council responsible for clearing spillages on private roads and private land?








Report a range of highways issues quickly and easily
North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AD | Tel: 0845 8 72 73 74 | Fax: 01609 532009
This page was last updated on 7 February 2013