Most roads are maintained at the public expense but many which are not may be private streets (also known as unadopted roads).

The term 'private street' relates to who is responsible for maintaining the road. It should not be confused with the question of whether or not the public has a right of way along the road.

The maintenance of the private street, which includes structural work and routine maintenance such as sweeping, is the responsibility of the adjoining owners and not Wakefield Council. Parliament has given the power but not the duty to the Council to make up private streets where they consider it necessary or desirable. However, responsibility for most of the expenses rests with the owners of premises on the private street.

If you live in a private street and would like more information on this process please read the Private Streetworks Procedure document or the FAQ (see under 'Also In') or use the Contact Us - Private Streetworks form to request further information relative to your street.

If you need to pay for work done to your Private Street and you have been sent an invoice, you can pay this online (see under 'Related Links').