Pavement and Footpaths

Pavements (Including Dangerous Paving)

This Council, as Highway Authority, has responsibility for the maintenance of the highway, including pavements and footways.

Trip hazards on pavements are a key concern at all times whilst the problems of weeds, standing water and ice tend to be more seasonal. Trip hazards and other defects on pavements are addressed in the following priority order.

Priority area 1

Defect description

Slab movement, uneven ironwork, and potholes with a trip exceeding 20mm in busy urban area
Depression greater than 25mm deep and less than 600mm in plan
Cracking with a gap wider and deeper than 15mm

Priority area 2

Defect description

Slab movement, uneven ironwork, and potholes with a trip exceeding 20mm in a lightly pedestrianised area
Major cracking on busy footway (but with gap width/depth less than 15mm)
Overhanging vegetation
Weed contamination of footway surface on busy footway

Priority area 3

Defect description

Major cracking on less busy footway (but with gap width/depth less than 15mm)
Defective trenching with level difference exceeding 10mm
Standing water (could be Priority 1 if on a busy urban footway and freezing conditions are anticipated)
Tarmac disintegration (fretting) with less than 20mm difference in level on urban footways
Weed contamination of footway surface

Pavements, particularly those constructed of paving slabs, can suffer very badly from overriding vehicles. Please note: In the case of damage, it is important, if possible, to report the vehicle details/findings so that we can recover the full cost of repairs to the pavement.

When works are being undertaken on the highway (including the pavement/footway), the organisation, which may include utility companies, carrying out those works is responsible for ensuring there is a safe diversionary route for pedestrians and other traffic and a satisfactory reinstatement.

To report any problems, please use the online form. Alternatively, use the contact details above.

Private streets

A private street is a street that is not maintainable by us. Streets that are unadopted are generally in a condition not meeting the standard of adopted streets. These are usually unmade (no bituminous surface) or setts (cobbles).

The responsibility for private streets lies with the street owners. These are usually the people who live on the street.

How do I report a private street that is unsafe?

This is usually the responsibility of the owner (usually the frontager). If the problem is thought to be a 'danger' (for example a deep hole in the road suddenly appearing) we can arrange to make safe by placing barriers or road closures around the hazard. However, the permanent remedials are then to be carried out by the owners.

How do I report a problem with gullies and drains on a private street?

If thought to be dangerous (for example missing gully lid) we will arrange to make the problem safe and then the owner will need to make permanent remedials.

How do I get a private street adopted?

To get a street adopted the street must be constructed to adoptable standards. The costs of constructing a street to adoptable standards must be met by the street owners/residents.

We do not have a budget for this and cannot be of any financial help.

If you have any query regarding a footpath or pavement, please use the online form.

Contact

Reactive Maintenance Manager

Frizlands Administration Depot

Frizlands Lane

Dagenham

RM10 7HX

Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3005

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.