Quote:
Originally Posted by jambutty
Years ago a neighbour wrapped his car around a lamppost and he got the bill from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for the repair. Thus I assume that lampposts are the responsibility of the local authority.
But that was then and this is now so I rang the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to ask the question.
I was told that the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Highway Authority known as the “Traffic Division” is responsible for all adopted streets and roads within the borough and that includes lampposts, road signs, kerb side railings etc. The “Traffic Division” works in conjunction with United Utilities if electricity is involved in the structure.
I also asked what was the policy on the public using lampposts to chain a scooter to. The lady that I spoke to was unable to give an answer, but off the record she hinted that as long as the chain does not damage the lamppost no one would bother and of course it would depend on which lamppost.
I would imagine that other boroughs would have a similar responsibility.
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Maintenance of highways does generally include lamp posts and certainly does in Lancaster, Manchester, Preston and Bolton, because I was working for a personal injury barrister not so long ago and lighting of the highway was one of the things you ask about when someone injures themself and it was in the council reports whether there had had to be any repairs.
I can't imagine Oswaldtwistle being an exception to this because the Highways Act surely applies to everyone and this is pretty much what dictates to the council about what should be maintained. Whether I am absolutely correct or not I couldn't tell you because I don't particularly want to start reading the Highways Act to check
it's quite a bore!