Obstructions to roads & pavements

It is illegal to obstruct the road. If somebody unlawfully assumes ownership of areas of a road, they are breaking the law. If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a road, they are also guilty of an offence.

In such cases the council, as the highway authority, has legal powers to enforce their removal.

To report any obstructions, please contact us.

Examples of obstructions

Obstructions are objects that have been unlawfully placed on, or which overhang the highway, such as:

• builders' skips
• scaffolding/hoardings
• builders materials
• temporary works including traffic lights
• overhanging tree branches or hedges
• mud/debris on the road
• mixing concrete/mortar on the highway
• unauthorised vendors/traders
• encroachment of road boundaries
• discharge of water onto the road
• blocking ‘rights of way’
• plants and bushes
• illegal signs.

Spillages on roads

Spillages on the highway can lead to road traffic accidents or, at the very least, cost to the council.

If you see an incident of spillage on the highway, this might involve oil, gravel or sand being spilt on the road - or dropped cargo, in which case we ask you to report this to us as an emergency by calling 0207 364 7070 (24 hour line).

More information on commercial waste and spillages

Contact us & further information

Tel: 0207 364 5004
Fax: 0207 364 3121
Email: generalenquiries@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Obstructed pavements

Any building materials that block the pavement cause an obstruction to pedestrians, and are potentially dangerous. If you encounter any of the following problems:

skips / scaffolding / advertising boards blocking the pavement
• no barriers around street works / roadworks
• banners or bunting causing an obstruction, or
• any other building materials blocking the pavement, or building work that is endangering pedestrians.

Use our online form to report an obstruction to the road or pavement.

Pid No: 550