Statutory clearance for highway

[treebloke]

Could someone please confirm the statutory clearance over a public highway and public footpath and the legislation which covers it.

 

I know what I think it is but but seems to differ depending on the local authority.

 

Thankyou in anticipation.

[C.J]

Received a letter from Devon C.C requesting 6 meters for surface dressing back in February.I gave them a ring,thinking the legal requirement was about 5.2M ,and was told it needs to be 6 meters to tip the chipping lorries.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

I was looking up similar earlier this week.

 

Found this on a google search, came off some LA's webpage can't remember which LA: "There is a responsibility placed upon the highway authority to maintain roads to a condition fit for the traffic that might ordinarily be expected to use it. Unless there is a traffic order in force restricting the size or height of vehicles that can use a particular road, a vertical clearance of 17 feet (5.20m) shall be maintained to allow sufficient clearance for vehicles which might ordinarily be expected to use the highway to gain access."

 

Had a quick look at Mynors and there's loads in there but too much to re-type here! Hope that helps....

[Kentish]

We cut for an LA...2.4 for footpaths and 5.5 for roads around our way....

[Kveldssanger]

I work for a Local Authority and we cut to 5.2m, or higher where appropriate. Footpaths vary depending on numerous factors (vegetation type, traffic, etc), though I will always clear above 7ft.

[Chris at eden]

2.4 over the footway and 5.2 over the carriageway as far as I know. I believe it comes from the 1980 highways act.

[Spruce Pirate]

We work to 5.2m (17') above the carriageway and 3.0m (10') above the pavement (footway) as a minimum. That's what it states in the LA guidance. In reality we sometimes go higher depending on client's spec or to prevent future problems.

[skyhuck]

We work to 5.2m (17') above the carriageway and 3.0m (10') above the pavement (footway) as a minimum. That's what it states in the LA guidance. In reality we sometimes go higher depending on client's spec or to prevent future problems.

 

:thumbup1:A bit of future proofing is good

[Goaty]

As a truck driver I cannot believe the lack of roadside vegetation control on some busy roads in East Yorkshire. The hedges and trees encroach beyond the tarmac edge and buses and truck mirrors whack it. Or oncoming traffic if prefered! Cyclists give it a wide berth.

 

At least its farmer season now. Big bales stacked high on condemable artic trailers snapping trees out. Would be a good time for authorities to follow the trails of straw attached to vegetation, all narrow poor clearance stuff is well decorated with straw.

 

I would of thought in line with highway bridges all under 16ft have to be marked, so surely if routes are not marked as such ALL the route should have 16ft clearance. Thats 4.87 mtrs. With a little more for droop or when branches are wet. 5.2m sounds a good minimum.

[daltontrees]

I think that's where 5.2m comes from, it's 16 feet plus a foot extra for margin.