Highways (including pavements) must be kept clear of obstructions for safety reasons. Members of the public have a right to pass and re-pass over a public highway. No scaffolding, skips, hoardings etc can be placed on the highway unless a relevant license has been obtained (for licenses please see the links section of this page) and a public highway should never be blocked by gates or fencing unless an official stopping up (Highway Closure) order has been obtained.
Bolton Council has the power to serve notice on a person who commits an offence of wilful obstruction on the highway. In certain circumstances the courts allow the highway authority to remove obstructions and recover reasonable costs incured from the offender. This includes the cutting back of trees, hedges etc which are overhanging onto the public highway.
If you wish to report an obstruction on the public highway, please contact the department via the Streetcare helpline using the contact information provided on this page, by clicking on the customer details tab above with your left mouse button. A highway inspector will be sent to the location to assess what action needs to be taken to have the obstruction removed.
Please note we are currently developing a new do it online feature to enable our customers to contact the department via this webpage. This new service will be available shortly.
Issues relating to the obstruction of a highway by a motor vehicle are dealt with by the police who can be contacted direct on 0161 872 5050.