Road adoption

Adopted roads

• An adopted road is a term used to describe council ownership and responsibility for a road.
• Adopted roads are maintained by the council as highway authority.
• On new estates there is usually an agreement between the council and the developer that the council will take on responsibility for the roads. If you are buying a house on a new estate your solicitor will find this out as part of their conveyancing service.

Unadopted roads

• An unadopted road is a private street which is maintained by the local residents rather than the highway department.
• The council as a highway authority have no obligation to carry out repairs or cleansing to the street.
• The public may have a right to use the road and most traffic regulations still apply.
• Existing private roads will not normally be adopted unless they are brought up to current standards by the owners of the road.

New roads in development

Highways adoption: Guidance and standards - These highways guidance notes and standard details help developers design and construct roads and paths suitable for adoption by Kirklees Council.

• Completion and adoption of a new road on a new development requires a Section 38 Agreement between the developer and the council.
• The council makes sure new roads are constructed to the required standard.
• The agreement includes a bond that ensures the council can construct the road if the developer does not.