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Cycling | Disabilities | Driving | Highway Maintenance | Horse Riding | Public Rights of Way | Public Transport | Roads | Schools | Speed and Safety Cameras | Street Lighting | Walking
View our Cycling web pages
Where can I find information on learning to ride a bike as an adult?
A national cycling curriculum for adults is currently being developed. In the meantime, Life Cycle UK (Tel: 0117 929 0440) offer discreet one-to-one lessons for £20/hour, and they'll come to you! The Council's Road Safety Unit runs a half-day informal training course for adults rediscovering cycling.
Can I use flashing lights on my bike?
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations demand that cycles used on the road between the hours of sunset and sunrise must carry visible lights and reflectors (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1 October 1985). (Position (side) lights are required from sunset to sunrise and headlamps from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise). The minimum requirement is that such lights must conform to, and be marked with, the relevant British Standard, BS 6102/3. This lighting standard has recently been amended to allow the use of non-flashing LED light sources but only if they meet this required British Standard. Strictly speaking, flashing lights are restricted by law to emergency vehicles only. However, flashing LEDs can now be used alone on bicycles.
Do I have to have a bell fitted on my bike?
It is advisable that you have a bell fitted so your can warn others of your approach but, so long as you have some sort of audible warning device (and that can be your voice!), it is not a legal requirement.
At what age is it safe for my child to cycle on the road?
As a parent or guardian, you will have to judge when your child is safe to ride on the road. Make sure you are happy that the bike is in good working order and that the child can keep control of the bike at all times. Although there will be noticeable variations in the ability of each child to ride a bike, a 10 or 11 year old should be able to cycle on the road under the supervision of a competent adult. If in any doubt about their safety, dismount and walk until you feel safe enough to continue. The Council's Road Safety Unit runs a school-based project called Let's Bike for children over the age of 10 to develop their cycling knowledge and skills. Most cycling accidents to children happen when they are playing, not on a journey.
How can I protect my bike from theft?
Reputable bike shops can advise you on the best locks available. A determined thief will be able to break most locks although some are more difficult to crack than others. As well as choosing a good lock, it is always best to leave your unattended bike in an area that is open to public view. Thieves have been known to walk away with a bike that is still locked so attach your bike to an immovable object. For further information about security systems that can tag your bike and make it easier for the Police to trace if it is stolen, contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on 01244 350000 or e-mail postroom@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.
What are the main skills necessary for safe cycling?
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be seen - this does not just mean wearing bright clothes (although this obviously helps), it also means riding on the carriageway in a way that will enable other road users to see you more easily. Don't 'hug the kerb' where you can be obscured from view by the edge of a car windscreen, take up a position about a metre from the kerb (more if possible) if you are worried about a driver attempting to overtake and squeeze you off the road.
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be aware - try to make eye contact with drivers if possible to ensure they have seen you.
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anticipate - try to predict what others around you are about to do, always assume the worst and be ready to take evasive action.
How do I recognise a good quality cycle helmet?
When you choose a helmet make sure it is CE marked, if manufactured or imported after 30 June 1995, or that it meets one of the following standards: BS6863; ANSI Z 90.4; AS 2063; SNELL. There will be one or more of these standards written on the inside of the helmet. It is important to try on the helmet you are thinking of buying. Make sure it fits closely to your head and feels comfortable. It should not cover your ears or restrict your vision and, when the straps are done up, make sure it cannot be pulled off your head. Once in place the straps should not come undone easily except by undoing the quick release buckle. If there is any sign that a helmet has been damaged, do not buy it.
What do I do if I am involved in an accident?
Remain calm and polite. Note the precise location of impact and mark it. Obtain the names and addresses of witnesses and drivers. Note the registration numbers of vehicles involved. Sketch or photograph the location, road surface and damaged vehicles/cycles, noting skid or other marks and debris in the road. Keep the cycle in its damaged state until you are sure that the incident has been resolved to your satisfaction. Report the accident to the Police as soon as possible and seek legal advice.
Can I insure myself and/or my bicycle in case of loss, injury or damage?
Yes you can! Personal Accident Insurance will cover you in the event that you injure yourself. You may also find that your home insurance will include cover for loss of, or damage to, your bike and accessories, as well as Third Party protection (check the details carefully). Otherwise, membership of a local or national cycling organisation may offer you adequate insurance.
Disabilities
View our Coping with a Disability web pages
I am disabled, do I have to wear a seat belt?
It is compulsory for everyone to wear a seat belt whether in the front or rear seats of a car, where one is fitted and available. However the Road Traffic Act 1988 (sections 14 and 15, as amended) provides scope for exemption for some disabled people after medical examination by their local doctor. There is no specific list of reasons which would automatically exempt an individual. However, if a GP is satisfied that are medical reasons why a person should not wear a seat belt, he/she can issue a certificate to that effect. It should be noted that seat belt exemptions should be on medical grounds rather than on grounds of comfort or convenience and every effort should be made to find an appropriate seat belt for the disabled person prior to exempting the person from wearing the seat belt all together. A number of companies produce seat belt accessories that can make wearing a seat belt more comfortable. These include Aremco (Grove House, Lenham, Kent ME17 2PX, Tel: 01622 858502, Fax: 01622 850532) and Securon (Amersham) Ltd (Winchmore Hill, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0NZ, Tel: 01494 434455, Fax: 01494 726499).
I have not driven since I had an accident, is there an assessment I can have for my driving ability now?
Many disabled people benefit from an assessment to establish their ability to drive a car or other type of vehicle. This may, for example, include testing their reaction time and ability to operate a number of switches, levers and knobs which may be required in the vehicle. In the UK there are a number of independent assessment centres. These include:
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Banstead Mobility Centre, Damson Way, Fountain Drive, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 4NR, Tel: 020 8770 1151, Fax: 020 8770 1211
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The Mobility Advice and Information Service, Mobility and Inclusion Unit, Department for Transport, 'O' Wing, Macadam Avenue, Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6XD, Tel: 01344 661000, Fax: 01344 661066, e-mail: mavis@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Details of local assessment centres may be available from the Disabled Drivers Association (Ashwellthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk NR16 1EX, Tel: 01508 489449, Fax: 01508 488173, e-mail: ddahq@aol.com) or the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club (Cottingham Way, Thrapston, Northamptonshire NN14 4PL, Tel: 01832 734724, Fax: 01832 733816, e-mail: ddmc@ukonline.co.uk). Assessment centres can assess your driving abilities and identify the equipment and adaptations that may be required. It is also possible for the centre to give you an idea of any costs involved (such as in adapting your existing vehicle if needed or buying a new vehicle), plus information on driving courses available for disabled people. A good website for further information is The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR), a national organisation run by, and working for, disabled people.
What is the Blue Badge Scheme?
More information and an Application Form for a Blue Badge.
When should I switch my rear fog lights off?
The Highway Code states that you must not use your rear fog light(s) unless "visibility is seriously reduced" (generally to a distance of less than 100 metres). You must not use them simply because it is dark, raining or misty. If you are sitting in a queue of traffic, please have some consideration for the person behind you and turn them off. There's no point in having your rear fog light(s) on when the car behind you is only a few feet away and stationary!
How do I check my speedometer?
Look for the little circular signs on certain stretches of motorway. The first one is yellow, the second is a quarter red, the third is half-red, the fourth is three-quarters red and the last one is totally red. They mark out a measured mile. Get a friend to time you over this distance (please don't try to do it whilst driving) - the rest is simple arithmetic. The emergency telephones on motorways are about a mile apart, but you cannot rely on this. If you want a metric check, the small blue and white posts on motorways, which tell you which way to walk to the nearest emergency phone, are 100 metres apart.
View our Roads web pages
Who is responsible for vegetation overhanging footways and footpaths?
Generally any vegetation overhanging the public highway is the direct responsibility of the owner or occupier of the premises from which the vegetation originates. They should ensure that vegetation growing on their land does not impede access along the highway, which includes the carriageway, footpath and verge. Hedges should be cut back to the boundary or vertically above the rear of the footpath for a clear height of 2.2 metres. Trees should be cut back to at least 50 cm behind the kerbline to a clear height of 5.2 metres above the carriageway on minor roads and 6.6 metres on main roads.
The County Council is responsible only for trees and hedges on land that has been officially adopted or purchased for highway improvements. If, during the course of a regular highway inspection, overhanging vegetation is identified, then a letter is sent from the Area Highways Team to the relevant premises informing the landowner of their statutory duty to remove it. If the landowner does not take action within a reasonable time, the Council will send a formal notice under Sections 136 or 154 of the Highways Act 1980. Failure to comply with this notice will result in the work being arranged by the Council and the cost recovered from the responsible landowner. This process can take as much as six months to complete. Only in exceptional circumstances can the Highway Authority cut this vegetation as it is deemed to be private property. Any person cutting the vegetation without following certain notification procedures could be guilty of criminal damage. Overhanging vegetation is a considerable problem throughout the County and can take a tremendous amount of time to deal with. If you have a concern about overhanging vegetation, please contact your local Area Highways Team. See the Street Lighting section on overhanging trees for information specific to keeping lighting columns clear.
Very often when hedges are trimmed, the trimmings are left all over the road. Who is responsible for clearing it up?
The person who made the mess! Contact your local Area Highways Team to find out who.
I tripped over a broken pavement slab, broken grate, manhole cover, etc. Who do I tell to get it fixed?
Your local Area Highways Team.
How does the Council decide its highway maintenance priorities?
For safety reasons, the filling of potholes and other forms of reactive maintenance are carried out as a result of routine inspections or defect reports received. Larger-scale reconstruction, resurfacing or paving slab re-lays are prioritised as a result of structural and condition surveys, and included in ongoing, mid- or long-term maintenance programmes.
Who maintains traffic signs and road markings?
The Council is responsible for all existing highway signage and road markings; these are maintained by the relevant Area Highways Team.
Why and when are the highway verges cut?
Highway verges are cut for road safety purposes, to maintain visibility at junctions and to provide a refuge for pedestrians. Urban verges are cut to a much higher standard for amenity reasons. Rural verges are cut with a tractor mounted flail twice per year with additional cuts to visibility areas at junctions and the inside of bends. Cutting commences with the visibility areas in May, followed by full cutting of the network in June and July. A full cut of the network is repeated in September and October.
Why do the verges look as if they've been shorn rather than cut?
The tractor flail has a tearing rather than a cutting action and uneven verges are sometimes scalped down to the soil. Fortunately, they recover quickly from such damage.
Who gives permission to dig up our streets, and who is allowed to do so?
The Council's role is to use its best endeavours to co-ordinate, and to keep a register of, works which are carried out in the streets for which it is responsible. This is done in the interests of safety, to minimise inconvenience to the public and to protect the structure of the street. The utility companies (e.g. Transco, BT, Manweb) have a right to excavate the street in order to place and repair their apparatus. They can do this without formal approval but have a duty to co-operate with, and to notify, the Council regarding such works. A street can only be excavated by any other person if the work is carried out by an accredited contractor under a licence granted by the Council. Everyone who excavates in a street has a duty to reinstate it to an acceptable standard when they have finished. The Council carries out inspections on a sample of such reinstatements to investigate whether this is being done.
The Water/Gas/Electricity Board dug a trench in our road ages ago and nothing else has happened. Are they allowed to do this?
Under normal circumstances this should not happen and, if you report it to the Area Highways Team, one of our Highways Inspectors will follow this up and issue a defect notice to ensure that the work is done properly.
The works the Utility Company carried out are finished and they've filled in the trench, but it is uneven. Who is responsible for the reinstatement?
The Utility Company is responsible for their reinstatement for two years after it has been permanently reinstated. Any defects should be reported to the Area Highways Team, who can then serve a defect notice on the Utility, and ensure that the defect is corrected.
I have private water/sewer apparatus which needs to be replaced in the highway; what do I need to do?
You must apply for a licence from the Council and arrange for a suitably qualified contractor to carry out the work. In an emergency, with the agreement of the Area Highways Team, the work can be carried out whilst the licence is being prepared. The licence will cost £110; it is an offence to carry out work without it
Why are gullies left unattended until storms reveal they are blocked?
The Council's policy for gully emptying is to save money by emptying gullies only once per year (twice on rural roads without kerbs) and to deal with local flooding. The reduced standard of gully emptying has had a knock-on effect on other drainage blockages with silt and detritus sometimes blocking the rest of the drainage system. Carriageway sweeping is done by District Councils, under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, and, if the sweeping frequencies were to be increased, particularly in the Autumn leaf fall, then this would have a major benefit on the amount of detritus blocking roadside gullies.
Why do the Gas people leave their holes open for weeks on end?
It may be because they cannot find the leak they are looking for, so the hole is left open to vent the gas (and so avoid an explosion!).
Why has the road outside my house been dug up?
There should be a telephone number on a sign which you can ring to ask. If there is not, contact your local Area Highways Team.
Why is the salt used on the roads in winter brown in colour?
Very simple, the pinky/brown colour is the natural colour of the rock salt mined at Winsford Rock Salt Mine. The salt is this colour due to the inclusion of a small percentage of sandstone marl which lies in bands through the salt beds. The salt deposits in Cheshire were left 200 million years ago when a huge inland sea evaporated and easterly winds are believed to have blown sandy soil across this sea as it dried leaving the product we see today.
What is the difference between a footpath, a footway, a bridleway and a byway?
Footpaths and footways are both for use by pedestrians only. The only difference is location - a footpath is a path that is not beside a road and a footway is a pavement that is next to a road. Footpaths and footways may be used for walking only and cyclists are not advised to use either unless signs say otherwise. Unlike footpaths, anyone over the age of 16 riding a cycle on a footway can be given a £20 fixed penalty fine. Cyclists can use routes marked as byways or bridleways. A bridleway can only be used by walkers, horse riders or pedal cyclists. A byway is a highway mainly used for walking, cycling or horse riding but over which there is a right to use any type of wheeled vehicle, whether horse drawn or motorised.
Who is responsible for footpaths?
The recording of footpaths and other Public Rights of Way is the responsibility of the Council's Public Rights of Way Unit (Tel: 01244 603237). They also deal with creations, diversions and closures. The maintenance of footpaths is the responsibility of our Countryside Management Service (Tel: 01606 301482/3). This Service also deals with enforcement issues such as removal of obstructions across a Public Right of Way.
Can I ride my horse on the highway verge?
Under common law, pedestrians, horse riders and carriage drivers have public user rights over the whole width of land designated a highway. Usually this is between the hedges and fences on either side of the carriageway and this area may include verges. These rights may, however, be restricted where limitations are imposed such as the provision of a footway, along which only pedestrians have user rights. This and other legal requirements effectively limit the width for vehicular users to the made-up carriageway, what we call the road. Horse riders can lawfully cross a footway, say at a road junction or verge-crossing, and ride along the verge at the back of a footway if it exists. There are exceptions to this, however; for example, if a Traffic Regulation Order or local bylaw exists specifically forbidding horse riders the use of the verge. You would know of such an Order by the display of signs indicating the ban. For further information on horse riding/carriage driving on the highway see our Equestrian Strategy.
What are Pegasus Crossings?
Along with Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, and Toucan Crossings there are Pegasus Crossings (or 'Equestrian Crossings'). These are light-controlled road crossing facilities especially for horse riders, with the push-button control panel situated 2.0 metres above the ground so the rider does not have to dismount to activate it. These crossings are often found outside race courses or areas where horses are trained.
Where can I stable my horse overnight in Cheshire?
The British Horse Society publishes Bed and Breakfast for Horses (£5.95 plus 90p postage and packing) is available from the BHS On-Line Bookshop (01926 707762). A list of accommodation providers, stables, grazing facilities and parking places on the Bishop Bennet Way is available from The Council. Please telephone 01244 603237.
Where can I learn how to ride?
For lists of riding schools in Cheshire, please see the British Horse Society - where to ride in Cheshire and Yell.com - riding schools in Cheshire.
How do I get a licence for a riding school?
Licences for riding establishments are the responsibility of the Environmental or Public Health departments of the District Councils. Please click on the relevant Council for your area:
Chester City Council
Congleton Borough Council
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council
Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council
Macclesfield Borough Council
Vale Royal Borough Council
Cheshire Traveline
traveline@cheshire.gov.uk
Chester 01244 972666
Crewe 01270 505350
Northwich 01606 815050
Wilmslow 01625 534850
Textphone 0870 241 2216
How do I find out about local bus/train services in Cheshire?
The Transport Co-ordination Service of the Council has bus and train timetables online. Please access this and other publicity information via the Travel and Transport homepage. For further information about bus or rail times contact Cheshire Traveline.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of bus shelters?
Responsibility for the maintenance of a bus shelter can fall with either the County Council, District Council or Town or Parish Council, depending on which authority provides and owns it. The County Council has a contract with a company to install, clean and maintain all of the County Council owned bus shelters. District and Town and Parish Councils have various similar arrangements for their own bus shelters. The County Council can help to provide information about which authority owns which bus shelter in any district. For assistance, contact transport.projects@cheshire.gov.uk (01244 973541).
How can I make a suggestion/complaint about a bus service?
The Transport Co-ordination Service is committed to providing high quality services. However, there may be times when you feel that they haven't got it quite right. They will listen and learn from what you have to say, and your comments, good or bad, are always welcome. If you are experiencing problems with any bus service in Cheshire please contact the Cheshire Traveline and they will investigate the problem and take appropriate action.
If you are having a problem with a Cheshire Bus service under contract to the County Council, we will take it up with the contractor on your behalf and reply to you with the contractor's response. The County Council demands high standards of service from its contractors and persistent unreliability or other problems will result in warnings being issued and can lead to early termination of contracts. If your problem is with a commercial service you should make contact directly with the company running the service. However, if you are unsure of the operator you can contact us and we will forward your complaint to the relevant company. If you have a problem or are dissatisfied with the way you have been treated by staff of the Transport Co-ordination Service, please contact the County Transport Co-ordinator directly (Rivacre Business Centre, Mill Lane, Ellesmere Port CH66 3TL Tel: 01244 973042), who will look into the matter and write back to you within five working days.
Who would I contact about lost property?
It is the responsibility of the bus company to hold any lost property in a safe place. The contact numbers for the bus companies can be provided by Cheshire Traveline. To assist the Traveline, please give the date and time of the journey concerned, and the name of the bus operator (if known).
What discount travel tickets are available?
Contact the Cheshire Traveline. The majority of tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.
How are roads on new housing estates adopted?
Roads on new housing and industrial estates are designed and constructed to standards set out in the County Council's 'Design Aid for Housing, Industrial and Commercial Estate Roads'. To avoid long term maintenance problems, the practice is to persuade developers, wherever possible, to have these roads adopted as public highways, maintained by the County Council. This process is secured through legal agreements with developers.
What is the Local Transport Plan?
The Local Transport Plan is a bid by the County Council to Central Government for funding for transport improvements in Cheshire.
What is meant by Traffic Management Schemes?
Traffic Management Schemes are such things as physical speed reduction measures, mini-roundabouts, or pedestrian crossings built to reduce traffic speed and improve traffic flow in order to make Cheshire's roads safer for everyone.
Can we have traffic calming?
The term 'traffic calming' refers to the use of traffic engineering and other physical measures, which are designed to control traffic speeds and encourage sensible driving. The key objective is road safety, not only in terms of accidents but also the degree of danger perceived by road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. Schemes seek to adapt the volume, speed and behaviour of motor vehicles to the primary functions of the street along which they pass, rather than adapt the street to the unbridled demands of these vehicles. Value for money is also an important objective, underlining the importance of effective design and sound assessment when dealing with the high demand for traffic calming schemes. Traffic calming is a very contentious way to bring about compliance with the speed limit and improve road safety, also other management solutions will normally be investigated first. If you have a specific question regarding a speed limit, the best place to seek further information or discuss the issue is with your Area Highways Team.
Can we have a reduced speed limit?
Speed limits make a valuable contribution to road safety but there is a tendency to see them as a panacea. They are most effective when they are seen by drivers to be a reasonable restriction in the particular circumstances. This is because, knowing that full-time enforcement is not possible, we are to a large extent relying on the willing co-operation of drivers in honouring signs. A limit that is not realistically matched to the environment will be ignored. When this occurs the limits are not providing any significant increased protection to either the frontages or other road users. Speed limits are normally unnecessary where the character of the road itself limits the speeds of most vehicles. They are not used to try to solve problems at isolated hazards, such as a bend or a road junction. It is often found that the drivers of vehicles proceeding at speed are either young, inexperienced drivers or regular users who believe that they 'know' the road. It is expected that vehicles should be driven at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions, not the speed limit maximum. Driving without due care is an offence and the provision of speed limits has little effect on these inconsiderate drivers. The County Council is currently in the process of reviewing its speed management policy and this will have some impact on the speed limits that are set in the future. The review process will assess the level of speed limits and relevant speed management on the 'A' road network first. If you have a specific question regarding a speed limit the best place to seek further information or discuss the issue is with the appropriate Area Highways Team.
Who is responsible for clearing mud off the road?
It is an offence to deposit mud on the highway, and therefore the person who allows mud to be deposited is responsible for clearing it away.
What happens if the person responsible for the mud takes no action?
If the mud is considered dangerous to the highway user, the County Council, as the Highway Authority, must take action to clear the mud and may recover the cost from the 'depositor'.
I would like a dropped kerb outside my property, who do I need to speak to?
In the first instance make contact with your local Area Highways Team. They will be able to advise on what is required by doing a site survey. This information will then be passed to our in-house contractor to give you a quote for the work. If this is not acceptable you could employ your own contractor provided they produce a relevant certificate of public liability insurance, give 48 hours notice of commencement for supervision purposes and carry out the works in accordance with health and safety requirements and, most importantly, construct it to our specification using approved materials. The contractor will have to contact the relevant Public Utility for information re: position of underground plant etc.
What is the difference between a light duty and a heavy duty crossover, how much do they cost and how can I apply for one?
Light duty crossovers are provided at residential properties for normal household use. Costs vary depending on the width of footway. In all other instances heavy duty crossovers are required. For an application form and further details please contact your local Area Highways Team.
How can I report an abandoned vehicle?
The responsibility for dealing with abandoned vehicles is divided between the District Councils (contact numbers below) and the County Council. In the first instance, District Council staff inspect an abandoned vehicle and put a 7-day notice on it. If the owner does not come forward during this period then the vehicle is removed. The District Council then informs the County Council's Waste Management Service, which is responsible for the storage and safe disposal of such vehicles. Reasonable attempts are then made to find the owner. If traced, the owner can either collect the vehicle and pay a statutory charge, or surrender the vehicle for disposal:
Chester City Council 01244 972477
Congleton Borough Council 01270 769462
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council 01270 537842
Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council 0151 356 6557
Macclesfield Borough Council 01625 504778
Vale Royal Borough Council 01606 867845
Is the Council responsible for maintaining the sewers?
No. You need to contact United Utilities (Tel: 0845 602 0406) or Dee Valley Water (Tel: 01978 846946).
Does the Council provide sandbags in times of flooding?
The District Councils are the lead authorities in preventing flooding of private properties. We keep a stock of sandbags for use where flooding on the highway might be a problem. To report such a flood, please contact your Area Highways Team.
Do I need a licence to erect a scaffold or hoarding on the public highway?
Yes, you do! This lets us place conditions on any structure to ensure public safety and carry out a condition survey of the area. Contact your Area Highways Team for details.
Do I need a licence to trade on the public highway?
It is County Council policy to oppose all street trading other than from approved areas where highway safety will not be impaired. To sell goods on such sites a trader's licence must be obtained from the appropriate District Council. It is illegal to erect signs or stalls for the sale of produce within the highway, and this includes the grass verges. However, produce can be sold from the land on which it is grown. See Street Trading for further information.
I've had an accident due to a fault on the road/footpath. Can I make a claim against the Council?
If you have suffered loss or damage due to a defect on the highway, you may feel that you have a legitimate claim against the County Council. You need to apply for a claim form in writing to Linda Littlemore, Engineering Service, Cheshire County Council, Backford Hall, Chester CH1 6EA. You will need to give the location, date, time, nature and cause of the incident, together with details of the loss or damage. We will pass the form to our external claims handlers, who will decide either that the claim should be met in whole or in part, or that the Council has a statutory defence in law (if the Council is not legally at fault it would, of course, be an inappropriate use of public money to meet a claim). However, you need to be aware that very few claims succeed because of the difficulty of proving negligence against the highway authority. Before making a claim, you might like to contact the appropriate Area Highways Team for an informal discussion with one of our engineers, who will be pleased to discuss the highway aspects of the incident with you, although only a solicitor can give you definitive legal advice about the risks and potential costs of pursuing a claim.
How do I report a blocked gully?
Gullies are small rectangular iron grids that are normally found at the side of the road immediately in front of the kerb. They are designed to take surface water to the main sewers. The Council is responsible for maintaining these gullies and their connections to the sewer. You can report a blocked gully by contacting your local Area Highways Team or completing the online highway fault reporting form.
What are those little arms that stick out from the motorway bridges over the lanes; are they speed cameras?
No. They are part of the Trafficmaster automated traffic flow metering system, a commercial product, and not a Government system. They measure the speed of vehicles in each lane and feed the information back to a central computer. This collates the information and retransmits it to the boxes which, in turn, relay national road situations to vehicles passing by with Trafficmaster boxes in them.
What are those blue posts by the roadside with what look like two floodlights and a radio aerial on them?
They are part of the Trafficmaster system. They read part of your registration number, and send it to a central computer system. When the system "sees" you pass another Trafficmaster point, it can calculate the average traffic speed between those points and advise drivers about congestion via the various Trafficmaster products.
Why are some sections of the road coloured?
These are usually areas where a reduced or moderate speed would be wise. It is based on the principle that a large area of red road is a lot harder to ignore than a small speed limit or 'slow down' sign! Cycle and bus lanes are also frequently coloured, usually red or green. These lanes are reserved for the 'vehicles' concerned and other vehicles should keep out!
What are the weight-related speed limits for commercial vehicles?
The average Car-type van falls below the 2.0 tonne maximum gross weight and is, therefore, subject to the same national speed limits as a car (70 mph on dual carriageways & motorways and 60 mph on single carriageways). Any other goods vehicle 9including larger vans (not car derived) with a gross weight between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes is limited to 70 mph on motorways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways. Any vehicle over 7.5 tonnes has 60 mph, 50 mph and 40 mph limits respectively. All goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight limit exceeding 7.5 tonnes must be fitted with a speed limiter set to 56 mph. All coaches which have a gross weight of more than 7.5 tonnes must have a speed limiter set to 62 mph. From 1996 coaches have not been permitted to use the outside lane of a motorway.
Do speed limits apply to emergency vehicles?
No. The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (Section 87) states that: "No statutory provision imposing a speed limit... shall apply to any vehicle on an occasion when it is being used for fire brigade, ambulance or Police purposes, if the observation of that provision would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose to which it is being put at the time".
What are those barcodes on posts by the side of the road for?
The Highway Authorities use them. A special vehicle is driven over the road, measuring the wear of the surface. It uses the barcodes in order to know exactly where it is.
How do I report a smoky lorry?
The Government's Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was formed on 1 April 2003 by merging the Vehicle Inspectorate (VI) and the Traffic Area Network (TAN) division of the Department for Transport. You can do your bit for the environment by reporting vehicles that are extremely smoky and VOSA will contact the vehicle operator on your behalf. They need to know:
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vehicle registration number;
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type of vehicle (be as specific as possible);
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date, time and place where you saw the vehicle; and, if possible,
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name of the vehicle's operator (the company or owner).
To report a smoky vehicle, call their hotline 0870 60 60 440 or see the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency website, where you can complete an online form (search for 'smoky' on their homepage). You will not normally be informed of any action taken, but if you see the vehicle regularly you will be able to see if the problem has been fixed. You can report persistent offenders again, which means that further action will be taken. If no action has been taken then it may simply be that the smoke emissions do not actually break the rules.
Where do I report an animal loose on the highway?
You're likely to encounter live, dead, wild and domestic animals on the public highway - let's deal with the live ones first.
Any escaped domestic animal, especially larger farm animals, are a threat to road safety and you should inform the Police as soon as possible. Don't try to herd or move the animal alone. Many domestic animals have some form of identification but care should be taken when trying to obtain the details of an identification tag or collar on an injured animal. In the first instance contact the Police, the RSPCA on 0870 55 55 999 or your local Area Highways Team. Caution must be used when dealing with injured wild animals as many of them carry potentially harmful diseases and being distressed are likely to bite you. As with domestic animals contact the Police or the RSPCA.
If you find a dead animal on the road, it is imperative you report it to the Life ECOnet Project on 01244 603603 (24 hour answerphone) as it is part of our Environmental Policy to monitor wildlife fatalities in Cheshire. He will pass the information on to the relevant party to remove it - either the relevant Area Highways Team or the Environmental Health section of your District Council. Your assistance is appreciated.
Please note that dead badgers must always be reported to the Wildlife Officer at Cheshire Police on 01244 614568. The badger must be removed as soon as possible so that criminals cannot follow its path back to its sett and disturb other badgers that may be there. A dead badger can be sample tested to establish if it has been baited by dogs, killed and then dumped on the road to make it look as though it was a road casualty. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it an offence to kill, injure, ill-treat, dig for or disturb a badger, damage or destroy a sett, obstruct access to a sett or cause a dog to enter it.
Can I get funding to improve facilities for children who walk or cycle to my school?
The County Council's approach to promoting Safer Routes to School is to make the environment safer so that the additional risks of walking and cycling as opposed to being carried in a car are minimised. To help schools work towards this goal, funds may be available to pay for minor improvements in and around the schools.
What can the money for Safer Routes to School be spent on?
The money can be used to fund a project that will improve the conditions for children walking, cycling or using public transport. For example:
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Wider pavements and improved lighting
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Safer crossing points
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Cycle storage and security at school (Primary Schools are required to complete an additional risk assessment form)
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Separate accesses for pedestrians and vehicles
The money cannot be used for schemes that will result in more car journeys or for the funding of School Crossing Patrols. Bids will be placed in order of priority and will be given to schools which can demonstrate that:
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They adhere to the core principles of Safer Routes to School
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They are willing to introduce in-house educational activities
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They have appointed a champion who will be responsible for encouraging children and their parents to adopt healthy travel plans
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They are working towards adopting a school travel plan
How do speed cameras work?
Your speed is measured using narrow band radar emitted from the front of the camera. It measures your speed using the Doppler effect and then, if you are exceeding a pre-set figure, it takes two photographs of the back of your vehicle. It takes two so that the speed-reading automatically superimposed on the photographs can be manually double-checked by calculating the distance the car has moved between the pictures. The photographs are taken half a second apart and, using the markings on road, the speed can be calculated. There are three types of GATSO (GATSO is not an acronym, but an abbreviation of the surname of the inventor; Maurice Gatsonides, see http://www.carkeys.co.uk/):
1. Red Light GATSO. This is linked up to the traffic light sequence and runs off an inductive loop in the road just after the stop line. When the lights turn red, the loop is powered up, and anything passing over it is photographed. These need only one photo to prove guilt. Recent changes mean that some of these red light cameras (which are in a smaller box) are having radars fitted so that they become speed cameras when the lights are green or amber, and red-light cameras when the lights go red.
2. Stationary GATSO. This is the big grey box that we all know. It has two holes in the front: the top one is the camera, and the one in the bottom corner is the flash. The radar is inside. These cameras work as outlined above and are generally infallible. They carry an 800-frame roll of film.
3. Portable GATSO. This device is the size of a small aluminium briefcase, supported on a small tripod about three feet off the ground. It means that the Police can set up a speed camera in a matter of moments. The camera will take the photos and, about half a mile down the road, an officer will stop you. If you contest the issue, the photographs will be developed and you will be prosecuted.
Do 'funny' number plates fool speed cameras?
No! None of the products you see advertised are any use at all against a GATSO camera. With the computer enhancement technology that is available now, the only thing guaranteed to fool it is if you don't have a number plate at all, and the car is anonymous (and illegal!).
How does a hand-held radar meter work?
This works just like any radar-controlled GATSO but displays the speed on the back for the operator to see. It's then up to the operator's discretion whether or not to stop you. You can buy so-called 'radar-scattering number plate covers' which do actually scatter the returning radar so the gun can't get a reading. This does, of course, rely on the Policeman having pointed the gun at your number plate in the first place - generally they don't as any nearly flat surface will do (headlights, bumpers, etc.).
What is a TruVelo system?
So called because it's a TRUe VELOcity measurer! It is a pair of rubber strips that you drive across. They are a known distance apart, and the time between compressions is measured to give the resulting speed of the vehicle. They look like the devices Highway Authorities use to get road-usage statistics (counting the number of vehicles etc.).
What is a VASCAR?
It's a Visual Average Speed Computer And Recorder - a glorified stopwatch! The Police car may follow you, matching your speed for perhaps a minute, and an officer will time how long it takes to travel between two points a known distance apart. Ever wondered what those white squares are for that are painted on the road? The Police don't actually have to be following you. They can sit on a motorway bridge and time a car passing over some marks.
Why is street lighting provided?
Studies have shown the benefits of good street lighting as an aid to road safety and as a crime prevention measure. There is also growing evidence of the benefit of lighting in improving the amenity and commercial viability of an area.
What are the road safety benefits?
It has long been recognised that good public lighting can improve road safety. In most industrialised countries night time accidents account for about half of all accidents, even though traffic flows are much lower at night. In addition night time accidents tend to be more severe. In today’s crowded driving conditions, the driving task at night is very complex and it is essential that drivers have good visual recognition of the hazards ahead. It is not surprising, therefore, that there is strong evidence that good street lighting can cut night time accidents by up to 30%, giving tangible benefits to society which are much greater than the cost of the lighting itself.
How can good lighting help to reduce crime and the fear of crime?
Research has shown that certain groups of people suffer a disproportionate amount of crime, in particular, households which have been victimised, women and young people out after dark and the elderly, especially those subject to vandalism and disorderly behaviour. A common factor linking crimes committed against these groups is that they commonly occur after dark, so it comes as no surprise that research by criminologists carried out into lighting and crime has shown that targeted public lighting improvements can make the biggest impact on crime reduction.
The ways in which street lighting improvements can reduce crime are far from simple. Lighting improves visibility and increases opportunities for social surveillance by encouraging more street use by residents. It also improves community confidence and civic pride and signals to residents that the Local Authority and its partners are investing in the area. These factors combine to work to decrease crime by deterring offenders and the effects spill over to reducing crime during the day as well as after dark.
Over the past decade, approximately 16 lighting and crime evaluations have been carried out in major towns and cities in England, Wales and Scotland. Recent evaluations have shown that better lighting can reduce overall crime by 40%. There was also evidence of diffusion of benefits, with the benefits of lighting in one area leading to crime reductions in immediately adjacent areas.
How can I report a faulty street light?
Faults involving street lights are usually caused by the failure of the lamp or other electrical component. In a minority of cases the fault may be due to the failure of the electricity supply, vandalism or accident damage. When reporting a faulty street light, please have the following information to hand:
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name of the street in which the light is situated
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city, town or parish name
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location of the light e.g. house number nearest to the light
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the street light number - a black number usually located at a height of 3 metres on the column shaft
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a description of the fault e.g. lamp out, dim, timing, on during day, etc.
Call 0845 11 333 11 to report the fault or complete the online highway fault reporting form.
The County Council carries out its own night inspections at a frequency of, once every four weeks in summer and once every two weeks in winter, so we may already be aware of the fault. Whilst the majority of lights are the responsibility of the County Council, some are the responsibility of District or Parish Councils. If this is the case, we will usually be able to pass the report on for you.
How quickly can the fault be fixed?
Faults are passed to our contractor the following working day and are normally investigated within 5 working days of them receiving the information. The vast majority of repairs are carried out at the first visit, but those involving electricity supply failure, damage to the column itself or failure of specialised equipment may take longer to repair. In emergency situations, the contractor will attend site within 2 hours of the report to make the equipment safe. Further repairs will be carried out as soon as practicable. For situations where there is a greater risk of danger, but not an emergency (e.g. lights on pedestrian crossings, busy road junctions or flights of steps), then attendance on site will be arranged within 24 hours.
Can faults be given priority?
Generally speaking, the timescales for repair stated above are adhered to. The contractor concentrates repairs in certain areas each day, thereby covering the whole county in a week. Driving into other areas to attend one or two faults results in less repairs being carried out overall and so is avoided. If, however, the risk to the public is deemed high enough when the fault is reported (e.g. a faulty light outside an elderly resident's home), every endeavour will be made to carry out repairs as quickly as possible.
It is now several days since the fault was reported and it's still not fixed, why might this be and what can I do?
Normally the contractor should investigate the fault within 5 working days. If, however, particular difficulties have arisen such as damage to the electricity supply cable, the actual repair may take longer. If you contact us on 0845 11 333 11, we will check the progress of the repair and inform you as to the why the light is not yet working.
Why are so many lights faulty for so long?
Occasionally, an electricity supply failure (such as a damaged cable) can affect a large number of lights. In order to effect repairs, the electricity companies may need to temporarily switch off the supply to properties in the area. In such situations, seven days notice has to be given to domestic customers and 14 days to commercial customers, thus delaying the work.
The light has been visited, but has not yet been repaired, why?
The most likely cause of the light not being repaired on the first visit is the failure of the electricity supply. Such repairs can only be carried out by the electricity company. The County Council reports such faults promptly to the electricity company, requesting a speedy repair.
What are the operational hours of a street light?
There are no specified hours for street lighting. The standard method of controlling the operational hours is by photo-electric cell, which switches the lamp on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. Burning hours equate to some 4,100 hours per year. In the 24 hour society in which we now live, is it considered essential to operate street lights throughout the night. This enhances security for people and property, reduces night time traffic accidents and assists emergency services.
Can I have new or improved lighting?
The County Council does not have a duty to provide street lighting, but does so in the interests of safety. Developers for example, are now required to provide lighting on all new developments which are to be adopted and thereafter maintained at public expense. At the present time there is no available funding for new or improved lighting on existing highways, unless linked to a traffic safety scheme. The criterion for carrying out such safety schemes involving lighting is based on traffic accident statistics. If the road has a good accident record, it will not normally qualify.
If you consider lighting in your area should be provided or improved for safety reasons, you can make a request in writing. Your request should be made directly to the County Council, but, depending where you live, you may also wish to send a copy to the local Parish or Town Council, with whom we consult. They will then inform us of any requests they wish to support. It should be noted that District Councils and Parish Councils also have powers to install street lights. However the County Council has to approve any lights installed on the Highway.
Can I have a light re-sited?
The re-siting of lighting columns, whilst not impossible, is often difficult. The spacing between adjacent lights is crucial for achieving the correct lighting levels on the road. Moving one light could result in the over-lighting and under-lighting of adjacent road surfaces, thereby compromising safety. Each request is individually investigated and where necessary, consulted on, with no guarantee of a favourable outcome. It should be noted that the cost of moving a street light will normally fall on the person requesting the work.
A light is shining into my house, what can I do?
Street lighting is installed for the benefit of society and is designed to light the surrounds to a road, as well as the road itself, so that road users can see potential hazards. It is not possible to eliminate light intrusion fully, as to do so would render the street light non-functional. If a street light is causing problems due to excessive intrusion of light, we will investigate and try to find an acceptable solution to the problem. It may be that a simple change of lantern to a more modern type may relieve the problem. Each request is investigated on an individual basis. If it is possible to move a light and there is no advantage to road users then the individual would be expected to pay the cost of moving the light.
We have lived on this new development for some time now, why are the street lights not yet working?
Developers normally have an agreement with the County Council to construct new roads to a standard suitable for future adoption. Street lights are normally erected and commissioned in stages, as the estate is built. In some cases, houses may become occupied before the street lights are connected. The responsibility for the lights at this stage rests with the developer. Prior to adoption of the new highway, the lights will be comprehensively inspected and if found to be satisfactory, ownership and responsibility will be transferred to the County Council. Where no agreement is entered into with the County Council, future ownership and responsibility will remain with the developer and/or the residents.
Why are the lighting columns in my area being replaced?
Lighting columns can be replaced for a number of reasons, for example, changes to the geometry of the road or accident damage. The County Council also carries out an annual structural replacement programme, to replace columns which are considered to be at the end of their useful lives.
Why are the new street lights in different positions to the old ones?
The spacing of the old columns generally does not meet the requirements of the current British Standard. This usually results in more lighting columns being installed, reducing the spacing between them.
Is there a policy about where lighting columns are located?
There are many factors which have to be taken into account when determining where lighting columns should be situated. Lighting schemes are designed to the current European/British Standards which takes into account physical features such as road widths and bends. The class of road and volume of night time traffic has a direct bearing on the design, as does the location of the electricity cables, from which we take the power. Once a scheme has been designed and installed, there is only limited scope for altering the spacing between lighting columns. The Council aims to position columns sensitively, but sometimes the geometry of roads makes this difficult. If you feel that the position of a new street light will cause you problems, we will investigate, but we cannot guarantee to find a solution. Once the column spacing's have been set, we normally site them at the back of footways or in verges. This minimises obstruction of the footway and damage to columns caused by vehicles.
Why is there a delay between putting up new street lights and taking out the old ones?
We normally rely on the electricity companies to connect the new columns to the electricity supply and disconnect the old ones. The timescales involved mean that it may take some time to get the new lights working and the old ones taken away.
Why is there an excavated hole adjacent to a new street lighting column?
The electricity company have excavated the hole and it is awaiting either their jointing team or their reinstatement team. The hole will be reinstated to existing ground level.
How do I get more information about street lighting works?
Please call our staff on 0845 11 333 11.
What authority does the County Council have to issue tree pruning notices?
The County Council, as Highway Authority, has a duty under the Highways Act 1980 to ensure that foliage does not overhang the highway, so as to endanger or obstruct the passage of vehicles or pedestrians, or obstruct or interfere with the view of drivers of vehicles or the light from a public lamp. See the Highways Maintenance section on overhanging vegetation for more general advice.
Who is responsible for pruning private trees?
The owner/occupier of the property in which the tree, hedge or shrub is situated is responsible for ensuring that the foliage is properly maintained. The County Council cannot fund the pruning of private trees from around established street lights. In the case of newly installed street lights, the County Council will fund the initial pruning of any tree found to be obstructing the column. Thereafter, it will be the responsibility of the owner/occupier of the property to maintain the necessary clearances. See the Highways Maintenance section on overhanging vegetation for more general advice.
Rather than prune the foliage, why can’t the street light be moved?
This might be possible as an alternative, but the County Council would have to make an assessment. If it were possible, the owner/occupier of the property would still be responsible for the costs involved.
The tree has been overgrowing the highway for a considerable time. Why must it be pruned now?
The County Council manages all adopted highways in Cheshire and there are literally tens of thousands of trees along their length. Dealing with overgrown trees is an ongoing program and a long term goal.
What about an instance where the tree was planted prior to the street light being erected?
Street lights are provided to make our highways safe for users and so the County Council has the authority to place street lights anywhere on the highway. Once a street light has been erected, the County Council has a duty to maintain lighting levels and so must enforce the pruning of foliage that interferes with the light, regardless of the size and age of the tree. As previously stated, the County Council will fund the initial pruning of any tree found to be obstructing a newly installed column.
Can you visit me to point out what I need to do and the likely cost?
The Highways Service does not have anyone qualified to give such advice. If, during the course of a regular highway inspection, overhanging vegetation is identified, then a letter is sent from the Area Highways Team informing the landowner of their statutory duty to remove it. This letter gives details of what clearances are required and your own tree specialist will be able to advise you of costs and the best way to prune your tree.
Can I pay you to cut the tree for me?
The County Council does not directly employ a tree contractor but our term maintenance contractor may be able to recommend one or organise the work for you. It is strongly recommended that you obtain at least three quotations for the work to ensure the best price.
My tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order, does this mean I cannot prune it?
If a danger is being caused then pruning must take place regardless of whether the tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order or is within a Building Conservation Area. You are, however, advised to contact the Tree Officer at your Borough or City Council and advise them that you intend to carry out work. While this would not preclude you from carrying out the work, your local planning department may wish to place restrictions on any pruning other than that which is necessary to ensure safety.
The tree is sited on the boundary of my property and the highway, who is the owner?
The County Council does not plant trees on boundaries but always sites them clearly on highway property, for instance, in verges. Trees sited on boundaries will have been planted by householders and are private trees, belonging to the owner/occupier of the property.
The tree is sited on the boundary of my property and my neighbour’s property, who is the owner?
If the tree is planted exactly on the boundary, it will usually belong to the property owner responsible for that particular boundary. It is recommended that you check your deeds and speak to your neighbour.
Have you a guide to the clearances you require?
As a guide, clearance across the width of the footway should be one metre back behind the column, or to the boundary of your property whichever is the shorter. Where the column is located in a grass service strip, the boundary of your property should be taken as two metres back from the road. Foliage should also be cleared to a one-metre radius around and above the lantern. Along the length of the highway, foliage should be cleared to allow light to fall unhindered to the ground at least ten metres away.
How many street lights are there?
The Institution of Lighting Engineers in its leaflet “Protecting a Vital Asset, 2000” determined that there were approximately 6.2 million lighting columns in public ownership in the UK. Of this number some 72,000 are in Cheshire.
What is the cost of operating a street light?
Street lighting lamps vary in both size and power consumption (typically between 35 and 250 watts) depending on whether they are lighting a residential area, main road or town centre. The average cost of operating a street light, inclusive of energy costs and maintenance is between £30 and £50 per year - less than £1 per week!
How much energy does a street light use?
Energy consumption of a street light depends on the wattage of the lamp and the location of the light, which determines the number of hours of operation each night. Typically, street lights on main roads contain a 150 watt lamp, while those on residential roads contain a 50 watt lamp. In simple terms, the electricity consumed by an ‘average’ street light will cost £16 per year, or just 4.5 pence per night.
How are street lights supplied with electricity?
Lighting columns are normally supplied from the same underground electricity networks which feed your home, these being owned by the electricity companies. Where electricity companies have no networks, for example in rural areas, the County Council provides its own cables, which accounts for some 15% of the cables feeding lighting columns.
Why is the light from some street lights yellow/orange?
Lamps used for street lighting purposes are gas discharge lamps, which are much more efficient than the light bulbs you use in your house. The elements contained within the lamps give colour to the light emitted and the Lighting Engineer has a large choice of lamps from which to select. The low pressure sodium lamp is the most energy efficient, but has the drawback that its strong yellow/orange colour makes it difficult to tell the true colours of cars and other objects. High pressure sodium lamps emit a pale, honey coloured light, which gives better colour rendering of the street scene. More recent technological developments have produced discharge lamps which emit white light and as the efficiency and life expectancy of these lamps improves, they are likely to become the future choice for street lighting.
Is there any legislation governing the provision of street lighting?
A Local Authority does not have a duty to provide street lighting. However, once provided, the Local Authority does have a duty to maintain the system in a safe condition. The standards for street lighting are laid down in British Standard: BS.5489. This will however soon be replaced by European Standard BS EN 13201.
Engineering Service - 0845 11 333 11
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