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 on the details or
online form given below.
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
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 please report them using
our online form:
- 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.
How to contact us
Report an obstruction to the road or pavement online.
Public Realm
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 1BY
Tel: 0207 364 5004
Fax: 0207 364 3121
Email: generalenquiries@towerhamlets.gov.uk