Guidance

Adoption of roads by highway authorities

Information about how highway authorities can adopt roads.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 20 April 2017
• Last updated: 2 August 2022 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Highways Adoption: The Adoption of Roads into the Public Highway (1980 Highways Act)

PDF, 1.75 MB, 68 pages

Details

This advice note explains how new and existing roads can be adopted by highway authorities so that they become maintainable at public expense, pursuant to the 1980 Highways Act (as amended) (the 1980 Act).

It should be of interest to:

• planning authorities
• local highway authorities
• developers
• people living in private streets
• people planning to purchase property.

The guidance applies to England and English local highway authorities. In unitary authority areas, planning and highways matters are managed by the same authority. In county council areas these functions are administered by 2 separate authorities.

Published 20 April 2017
Last updated 2 August 2022 + show all updates

1. 2 August 2022

   Added advice on technical submissions, guidance for prospective home buyers, text for draft planning conditions for the adoption of new roads and information on fees, charges and bonds.

2. 20 April 2017

   First published.