Inspecting and enforcing the maintenance of free-standing walls and retaining walls that do not form part of any building and that are adjacent to the public highway.
The Council is responsible for the maintenance of 21 highway retaining walls. These are inspected regularly and maintained in a good state of repair as appropriate.
Retaining walls support land above the highway and are defined as being at least 4’6” high. Such walls lying within 12’ 0” of the highway are subject to Local Authority approvals.
Walls that support less than 4’6” of ground are deemed to be free-standing.
Where a privately-owned wall abuts the carriageway or footway and is in a condition likely to endanger members of the public the Council has powers to close the road and to compel the owner of the wall to repair it. All reasonable costs incurred by the Council can be recharged to the owner of the wall. In the event of non-payment a charge can be placed on the property.
The inspection and enforcement of maintenance of walls is the responsibility of the Highway Structures Group. For further information, contact the Highway Structures Group at the address below.
All relevant information and correspondence is recorded and maintained in a database by the Insurance Officer. The Council's Insurance Department can be contacted on 020 8314 6563.
FAQ
How can I report a dangerous wall?
Please report any wall or structure that you feel to be dangerous to CallPoint on the number below or use the online Street Fault report form.