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Roads: Verges and Waysides

Answer

Highway authorities in England have a duty, under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, to maintain the roads in their charge. This duty includes maintenance of verges, where these form part of the highway. The Highways Agency provides guidance to its managing agents on the maintenance of highway verges and waysides in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges that specifically covers conservation of flora and wildlife; in the Network Management Manual in relation to people using these areas for walking and riding horses; and in the Routine and Winter Service Code for other amenity aspects. All the Highways Agency’s guidance describes management requirements and techniques for maintenance for application across a range of situations on the trunk road network. It is for local authorities to decide on their maintenance strategy for verges. The Department for Transport has not issued specific guidance on this topic (although local authorities may follow the Highways Agency’s guidance where appropriate). However, the department endorses the UK Roads Liaison Group’s code of practice, "Well-maintained Highways" (available from the House Libraries or from www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org), which provides advice to authorities on highway maintenance management. It encourages authorities to consider the entire range of road users, including pedestrians and horse riders, and it contains guidance on nature conservation and biodiversity and environmental management. Natural England also provides guidance on the management of quiet lanes and greenways, where a greater emphasis on the needs of pedestrians and horse riders may be appropriate.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

1112; 716 c215-6WA

Session

2009-10

Subjects

Environment protection Horse riding Nature conservation Pedestrians Roads Repairs and maintenance

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk