Officers robustly enforce the provisions of the Highways Act 1980. This is to ensure that the highway is kept clear and unobstructed for the highway user as far as is reasonably practical.

Anyone contravening the Act is advised that any obstruction must be removed. Legal proceedings may be taken if the offence persists.  

The most common offences are as follows:

• Causing vehicular damage to the kerb or footway  
• Causing an obstruction on the road (typically by parking a caravan or trailer)  
• Having trees or vegetation which overhang the footway  
• Causing an obstruction to pedestrians (typically by placing advertising 'A' boards or goods for sale on the footway)  
• Driving over a footway or verge to gain access to a private drive (you should have an authorised car crossing installed by the Council). If you wish to apply for a car crossing then please contact us.  
• Posting notices on highway structures or trees (typically advertising signs on lamp posts, guardrails, traffic signs etc.)  

However this list is not exhaustive and if you are in any doubt about any offences under the Highways Act then please get in touch for advice by using the Wakefield Council Contact Centre on 0845 8 506 506 or email highways@wakefield.gov.uk.