Highway boundaries

Any private structures or obstructions found to exist on land which forms part of the public highway are considered encroachments as they prevent the public from enjoying the full width of the public highway. Encroaching upon the public highway is a criminal offence. There is no time limit placed on unlawful encroachments of the public highway, so regardless of how long an encroachment has been in place it remains a criminal offence. 

Examples of common encroachments include, but are not limited to: 

• Rocks, tree trunks, sleepers, hedging, or bollards placed on the highway verge 
• Fencing installed forward of the highway boundary line
• Poorly maintained, overgrown hedging  
• Buildings and gates constructed on public footpaths and bridleways 

Receiving an encroachment letter

If you have received a letter informing you that an encroachment has been identified at your property, you should contact us and ask to speak to the relevant area maintenance team. They can help you with how the encroachment can be resolved.

If you would like a breakdown of the historical research we have completed in order to define the highway boundary in your location, contact the highway boundary research team.