CouncilRoads & highway enforcement
The council has a duty to protect the public interest with all matters related to roads and footpaths. The effectiveness of legislation depends on the compliance of others.
Officers from time to time are required to deal with businesses and individuals who for whatever reason breach the statutory protection relating to highways.
The initial aim of officers is to assist businesses to comply with their legal obligations without unnecessary expense or hardship. Ultimately though firm action will be taken against those who disregard the law.
Enforcement action areas include, public rights of way, highways and highways works associated with new developments.
The council has a duty to ensure the public rights of way are open and safe for use, free from obstruction and clearly marked.
Use this link to find out more about public rights of way.
The council, as Highway Authority, has a duty to maintain adopted highways
to safe and serviceable standards.
Staff have to protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment
of such highways by ensuring they are free from nuisance, danger, unauthorised
obstructions, unlawful stopping, interference and encroachments.
Legal obstructions:
Under the Highways Act 1980, a licence is required for the placing of tables, chairs and other furniture outside a restaurant or cafe. To apply for a licence to place tables and chairs on the public highway, you must arrange a site meeting with a highway officer to assess your application. The general price for a licence for a table and 4 chairs is £255.75 for four months.
To find out about business licences for restaurants / cafes, click through to the business section of the site here.
For any further information contact:
E-mail: generalenquiries@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7364 5004
Fax: 020 7364 3121
Pid No: 551
