Highway records and searches

Below we've explained the process for requesting a highway search, as well as the information already available online.
 

Adopted roads and road classification

An adopted road is a highway that was a privately-owned road, but has become a public road, managed and maintained by the highway authority (typically the local authority).

View adopted roads on our online map.

To show the key for the routes marked on the map, click on the 'legend' icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right of the map.

You can also click on each route to find further information, including the road classification.

Public rights of way

You can view recorded public rights of way on the Definitive Map.

If you need a verified public rights of way map, contact the Definitive Map Officer.

Road and traffic schemes

All of the following road and traffic related orders are subject to formal public consultation:

• new roads or alterations to existing road
• restrictions on the movement of traffic
• traffic calming works
• pedestrian crossings
• cycle tracks
• residents parking controls
• stopping up, extinguishment, downgrading and diversion of highways

We hold electronic records from 1 April 2006. 

If you need information from before 1 April 2006, we will need to perform a detailed search.

You can find current or recent consultations on our consultation hub.

Highway search enquiries

What is not included

Some things are not included in a highway search enquiry, such as:

• road maintenance and parking issues - you can report issues such as potholes, grass cutting or parking issues online
• planning applications - contact the Planning Service for information relating to specific planning applications
• local search enquiries - visit our Local Land Charges page for enquiries relating to Local Searches, the Local Land Charger Register or CON29
• land ownership - all general land ownership enquiries should be directed to the Land Registry
• copies of legal agreements and documents - ask our Legal Services team about copies of agreements, for example Section 38 and Section 278 Agreements under the Highways Act 1980 ​​​​​
   

Fees

Our fees for highway search enquiries are:

• A4 plan showing up to 100m of public highway boundary extent - £80
• per additional 100m of highway - £27
• per additional question - £27

Additional questions may include information about the following:

• current and proposed road improvement/widening schemes
• public rights of way
• dedication information
• future works which may affect traffic in the area

These charges cover the cost involved in researching historic maps and archived documents, as well as site visits in some cases.

We can send a quote can be sent free of charge if required. To request a quote, email our Highways Asset Management Team.
 

Make an enquiry

You should make your enquiry in writing or by email. Your enquiry should be accompanied by a plan of the area to be searched and your payment - please make a payment for the correct amount using our Online Payments page.

Upon receipt of payment, we will aim to provide a response to your enquiry within ten working days.