Removing obstructions on a right of way

Salford City Council, as highway authority, has a duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of any highway. In this instance, ‘highway’ includes rights of way. This means the council is obliged by law to keep rights of way open and useable.

It is an offence for any person to wilfully obstruct free passage along a right of way without lawful authority or excuse. Anyone can take out a prosecution against those who obstruct a highway. In addition, highway authorities may secure the removal of obstructions by serving notice on the person responsible for the obstruction. If that person fails to comply with the notice the highway authority is entitled to arrange for the removal of the obstruction at that person’s expense.

Exceptions

Highway obstructions other than public rights of way should be notified to our Highway Services team.

You can use our online reporting service to report obstructed or impassable paths, damaged stiles or gates, misleading diversion notices or poor directional markings, or alternatively you can call our contact centre on 0161 909 6505.

This page was last updated on 3 August 2011