|
Q: Can changes be made to Public Rights of Way?
A: Landowners may apply to the local authorities for the diversion or closure of footpaths and bridleways on their land. Most applications for diversions are either to allow for more convenient farming practice or for the construction of development which has been granted planning permission. In the former case the applicant has to show that the diversion would be in his or the public's interest. However, the local authority, in agreeing to process the application, has to be sure that the new route will be substantially as convenient for the public. It also has to take account of the effect of the diversion on public enjoyment of the path or way as a whole.
Visit the Rights of Way section for more information
[back to questions]
Q: How do I find out about grass cutting?
A: The Council cuts grass to ensure that people can use roads and pavements safely. Although environmental issues are of paramount concern, grass cutting is actually carried out for highway safety reasons rather than environmental purposes. For more information use the contact details below or visit the grass cutting webpage.
[back to questions]
Q: How do I find out about road works occurring in the county?
A: All road works within the county that are underway or programmed to begin shortly are listed on the road works webpage this information is updated every week. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience these works may cause you.
[back to questions]
Q: How do I report a blocked road gulley?
A: Material carried into the drains by floods can also lead to them becoming blocked. Drainage grills and gratings (eg. on gullies) can become blocked very quickly when materials like mud are deposited on the road or when there is a heavy fall of leaves. Use the online streetdoctor reporting form or the contact details below to let us know about a blocked road gulley.
[back to questions]
Q: How do I report a flooded road?
A: Use the online streetdoctor reporting form or the contact details below to let us know about a flooding problem.
[back to questions]
Q: How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
A: ELVIS is the End of Life Vehicle Impound Scheme.
A joint operation by Northamptonshire's Arson Task Force, Northamptonshire Police, the County Council's Waste Management team and the borough and district councils, the ELVIS team will inspect abandoned and nuisance cars within 24 hours of notification and remove them within 48 hours if appropriate.
Call ELVIS today on 08456 121 999
Or report the problem online (new window)
[back to questions]
Q: How do I report faulty traffic lights?
A: Faulty temporary traffic lights should in the first instance be reported to the company responsible for the lights. Contact details can usually be found marked on the traffic lights themselves. For more information, contact:
[back to questions]
Q: How do I report potholes in the road?
A: A pothole is where the surface of the road has been eroded and a hollow has formed. The Council, as Highway Authority, has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the Highway. To report a pothole use the online streetdoctor fault reporting form or use the contact details below.
[back to questions]
Q: I have been caught by a speed camera, what will the fine be?
A: The purpose of safety cameras is to change driver behaviour - they are only used where accidents have happened and people break speed limits. Drivers who choose to exceed the legal speed limits will incur a minimum penalty of £60 and three penalty points on their driving licence. However, if offenders are caught doing the police threshold, they will now have an opportunity to save the points on their licence and do a 3 hour speed workshop at a cost of £60.00. For more information use the contact details below or visit the speed checks webpage.
Casualty Reduction Transport and Highways Riverside House Riverside Way Bedford Road Northampton Northamptonshire NN1 5NX Tel: 01604 654400 Fax: 01604 654455 email: roadsafety@northamptonshire.gov.uk
[back to questions]
Q: Is there a right of way across land near me?
A: Northamptonshire has over 3000 kilometres of Public Rights of Way, forming over 4300 separate routes. To view if one of these rights of way crossees land near you, you can use the interactive mapping link on the rights of way webpage to view your local area and select to have rights of way visible. For more information use the contact details below.
[back to questions]
Q: There is a problem with the lights in our street. Who can help me?
A: Please use the online streetdoctor reporting form to let us know - the more information you can give us the better (ie. light out altogether, going on/off, burning all day, intermittent etc.), include the number of the column - if you cannot see this then please state the exact location or adjacent house no.
[back to questions]
Q: What are the types of Public Rights of Way?
A: Public paths are classified by the nature of the public rights over them, and signed accordingly. Footpaths may be used by people on foot; there is no public right to push a bicycle or lead a horse, but a push chair may be used where conditions permit. Bridleways may be used for walking, riding or leading a horse or pedal cycling. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians and riders. There is no public right to use a horse-drawn vehicle. Byways open to all traffic may be used by vehicular and other kinds of traffic, where suitable but are used by the public mainly for walking or riding horses or cycles.
Vehicles should give way to other users, and comply with all driving regulations as for ordinary road traffic. They must be taxed, insured, roadworthy and properly silenced. Roads used as public paths (RUPPs) have minimum public rights as bridleways and can therefore be used for walking, horse riding and cycling. Vehicular rights may exist along some routes.
Visit the Rights of Way section for more information
[back to questions]
Q: What can a landowner do on a Public Rights of Way?
A: A right of way allows the public to pass over private land only along a fixed route, and the owner can also use this land for activities such as work or recreation. A typical example is when a footpath follows a private access road which is also used by a farmer for farm vehicles and by his children and their friends (with permission) for horse-riding.
Visit the Rights of Way section for more information
[back to questions]
Q: What is a Public Right of Way?
A: A public right of way is a route or way over which the public has a legal right to pass and re-pass. All public rights of way are public highways. The land over which the right of way runs is usually private land; the surface of the path is vested in the highway authority (County Council), but the subsoil is the property of the landowner.
Visit the Rights of Way section for more information
[back to questions]
Q: Where can I find maps showing Public Rights of Way?
A: Ordnance Survey maps are recommended to help you to plan and follow your route along rights of way in the countryside. Click here to view the County Councils interactive maps
Visit the Rights of Way section for more information
[back to questions]
Q: Where can I find out about cycle training?
A: Cyclists are a vulnerable road user group, and because of this various training schemes designed to minimise the risk are offered. These schemes cover such methods as training adults to teach children safer cycling, direct teaching through paid instructors in schools and with other user groups, and aiding other agencies in the promotion of cycle aids, for example cycle helmets and reflective vests. For more information use the contact details below or visit the cycle training webpage.
[back to questions]
Q: Where can I find out more information about a buzzcard?
A: The Northampton Buzz Card is a ticket you can use for unlimited travel on most bus services in Northampton. For more information visit the related webpage below, or use the contact details below.
Transport and Highways Northamptonshire County Council Riverside House Riverside Way Bedford Road Northampton Northamptonshire NN1 5NX Tel: 01604 654400 Fax: 01604 654455 email: highways@northamptonshire.gov.uk
[back to questions]
Q: Who do I contact to get a blue badge?
A: Blue parking badges allow cars carrying people who are registered blind or people who have severe walking difficulties to be parked near shops, stations and other facilities. To apply for a blue badge you can either download an application form from the blue badge webpage or use the contact details below to request an application form through the post.
Community Transport Transport and Highways Riverside House Riverside Way Bedford Road Northampton Northamptonshire NN1 5NX Tel: 01604 644450 Fax: 01604 654455 email: SDrummond@northamptonshire.gov.uk
[back to questions]
|