Welcome To Wirral

 

Are building materials allowed to be placed on the highway?

Building materials can cause a hazard on Wirral’s roads and even damage grass verges and pavements. In certain circumstances, however, materials may be permitted under license. See page License - building materials and storage containers on the highway

 

What can I do about overhanging trees/overgrown hedges?

Privately owned trees or overgrown hedges can create problems for pedestrians walking along the pavement or public right of way. If they are causing an obstruction, the local authority can ask for them to be cut back.

The Council may ask you formally to cut back the greenery within 14 working days. Many residents are surprised to learn that if you don't, by law our officers may have to step in and cut back the overgrown trees or hedges and bill you for the cost of the work.

 

Do I need permission to build a car crossing (drive access) outside my house?

If you are considering having work carried out on the highway outside your home to create access to a driveway, you must contact and obtain permission from the Council by telephoning Streetscene advisors on 0151 606 2004 or by e-mail at streetscene@wirral.gov.uk You should be aware that you may also require planning permission.

Any unauthorised crossings may be removed and the highway reinstated. The cost of these works could then be billed to the householder.  

 

What about drivers parking on pavements or grass verges?

Damage to footways and verges costs the Council in excess of £40,000 per annum. Persons responsible for causing damage to footways and verges may be prosecuted and made to pay the cost of repair.

 

What can be done about goods for sale on the highway?

Cars for sale on the highway are unsightly and potentially a distraction for motorists. We will attempt to contact the owner and take appropriate enforcement action.

'A' boards and goods for sale on the pavement outside shops are how greengrocers and florists often display their produce outside or advertise their business. Sometimes these can create an obstruction or hazard for pedestrians. In certain circumstances the Council can license 'A' boards and shop displays and there will be a fee for this, payable before a license can be issued. However in some instances where there is insufficient footway width, the Council may not issue a license and can serve notice and take legal action if the owner does not comply. If you would like an application form or further information on the terms and conditions please contact Streetscene on 0151 606 2004, e-mail streetscene@wirral.gov.uk, or click the "Request Service" button.

 

Pavement Cafes

In certain circumstances the Council can license tables and chairs on the highway and there will be a fee payable before a license can be issued. Planning permission and Listed Building consent may also be required from the Council for the use of the land as a pavement cafe. There is a further fee for this and planning approval must have been granted before an application will be considered by the Highway Authority. The Council can ask for a pavement cafe to be removed from the highway and take legal action if the owner does not comply. If you would like an application form or further information on the terms and conditions please contact Streetscene on 0151 606 2004, e-mail streetscene@wirral.gov.uk, or click the "Request Service" button. 

 

Street Trading

The Council has previously designated many of its streets as being Prohibited or Consent Streets for the purpose of street trading. Within consent streets the Council can license street traders and request a fee in doing so. The Council may prosecute any person who engages in street trading in a prohibited street; in a consent street without a license; or contravenes any of the principal terms or conditions of the license; or knowingly makes a false statement; or who trades without a valid license. The Council may at any time revoke a street trading license if the holder fails to comply with the terms of the license, and no fee will be refunded. If you would like an application form or further information on the terms and conditions please contact Streetscene on 0151 606 2004, e-mail streetscene@wirral.gov.uk, or click the "Request Service" button. 

 

What’s the Council’s view on caravans, trailers and mobile kitchens on the road?

Caravans and trailers can present a nuisance when they are left stored on the road. The Council appreciates that when a touring caravan comes out of storage, owners might need to park it outside their home for a short period of time in order to prepare for a trip. However, if a caravan or trailer is left on the road, enforcement officers will investigate. Owners will be asked to remove the caravan/trailer from the highway. To report an obstruction, either call StreetScene on 0151 606 2004, e-mail streetscene@wirral.gov.uk or click on the "Request Service" button.