Welcome To Wirral

 

What is the Council’s position on building materials on the road?

Building materials can cause a major obstruction on Wirral’s roads and even damage grass verges and pavements. The Council also receives calls from members of the public concerned that it looks unsightly and presents a hazard for both motorists and pedestrians.

 

What can I do about overhanging trees/overgrown hedges?

Privately owned trees or hedges that create problems for pedestrians walking along the pavement or public right of way are an obstruction and the local authority can ask you to cut them back.

You could face a formal request from the Council to cut back your 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, 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?

Because we are responsible for the maintenance of the highway, if you are considering having work carried out on the pavement outside your home to create access to a driveway, you must contact and obtain permission from the Council’s Streetscene advisors by telephone on 0151 606 2004 or by e mail at streetscene@wirral.gov.uk

By law and in the interest of public safety any unauthorised crossings may be removed and the pavement reinstated. The cost of these works could then be billed to the householder.

 

What about drivers parking on pavements or grass verges?

If someone is caught and found to be responsible for any damage to pavement or grass verge caused by parking a car, they are legally guilty of an offence and could have to pay the bill for any necessary repair work.

 

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

Cars for sale on the highway is illegal, unsightly and potentially a dangerous distraction for motorists. In all cases we will serve notice asking any “for sale” advertisements to be removed immediately and the owner will be reported for prosecution. If the owner ignores the request, enforcement officers could then remove the vehicle from the road.

Goods for sale on the pavement outside shops includes how greengrocers and florists often display their produce outside. There are limits to how far these goods can spread out. They create a major obstruction and hazards for pedestrians. Enforcement inspectors monitor and advise traders of any concerns. I some instances the Council can serve notice and ask for those goods to be removed from the pavement, otherwise legal action could be taken.

 

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

Caravans and trailers present a nuisance when they are left stored on the road. They are a cause of concern due to the fact that they rely on another vehicle to move them.

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 for more than three weeks, enforcement officers will investigate why this is the case. Owners could be asked to move the caravan/trailer or face enforcement action.

 

To report any obstructions, either call StreetScene on 606 2004, email streetscene@wirral.gov.uk or click on the "Request Service" button.