Rights of way - information and advice

With the implementation of Unitary Status on April 1st 1998, Southend on Sea Borough Council became the Highway Authority. The inherited responsibilities include the requirement to carry out statutory duties and powers under Section 130 of the Highways Act 1980.

The Council therefore has a duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of any highway for which they are the highway authority. The Powers enable the Highway Authority to maintain and improve the existing network and wherever possible, create new ways.

As the environment of Southend is urban rather than rural the recreational demands of the public are paramount. Meeting these demands requires both commitment and dedication by the authority to improve the existing network. A good standard of maintenance of public rights of way encourages use for purposes other than recreational e.g. to travel to work, to shop and to school.