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Lancashire County Council, as the highway authority, has a duty to assert and protect the right of the public to the use and enjoyment of the highway (which includes the footway/pavement).

The highway authority can take enforcement action against people causing an unlawful wilful obstruction of the highway.

Examples include:

• tables and chairs on the highway (except where a street pavement café licence has been obtained)
• advertising boards outside shops (beyond any private forecourt)
• goods displayed outside shops (beyond any private forecourt)
• unauthorised signs attached to poles and street lighting columns
• walls, gates, fences and hedges placed across the highway
• building materials deposited on the highway
• skips (without a licence)
• scaffolding and hoardings (without a licence)
• overhanging vegetation

Wilful obstruction of a highway is an offence which carries a maximum fine of £2,500 and should be reported to Lancashire County Council on 0845 053 0011.

In most cases, the problem can be resolved by a highways inspector having a friendly chat or sending an informal letter to the offender after pointing out the problem. The initial aim of officers will be to assist businesses and others to comply with their legal obligations without unnecessary expense or hardship. However, ultimately, firm action will be taken against those who disregard the law.

Vehicles parked causing an obstruction should be reported to Lancashire Constabulary (external link) on 0845 125 35 45.

Online Service:

• Report an obstruction on the highway to Lancashire County Council (external link)

Related Services:

• Public Footpaths and Other Rights of Way
• Footways and Footpaths