Introduction

Somerset Council is the highway authority for Somerset. As the highway authority, we have responsibility for all:

• road maintenance, including potholes
• improvement works
• road closures
• signs and road markings
• street-lighting
• public transport

We also produce Somerset’s transport and parking strategies.

High numbers of applications are delayed because they do not contain the necessary information. We have introduced guidance to ensure applicants and agents submit the necessary information with regards to access, parking and turning matters.

Parking

Guidance on how much parking to provide is given by Somerset Council as the highway authority.

The South Somerset Local Plan (Policy TA6) sets out that the requirements for residential and non-residential parking should be as prescribed in the Somerset Council Parking Strategy (2013).

Sightlines and plans

Guidance on sightlines or visibility splays from a new/ modified access is provided by Somerset Council as the highway authority Please visit Highway Authority consultation on planning process for more information.

Apply for a dropped kerb outside your home

A new access may need planning permission. You can find out more information about altering the access to your property on our website.

Separate permission is also needed from the highway authority (Somerset Council). You can find guidance on Dropped kerbs and driveways or by emailing countyroads-southsom@somerset.gov.uk.

Obstructions on a road or driveway

We are unable to assist in these matters. Somerset Council are not able to take any action against parked vehicles which are causing an obstruction where no parking restriction applies. These vehicles can only be dealt with by the police, who should be contacted using their non-emergency phone number, 101.

Traffic Regulation Orders

Traffic Regulation Orders are legal documents to allow the police or local authorities to enforce road restrictions. They are enforced by Somerset Council and more information about Traffic Regulation Orders can be found on our Traffic Regulation Orders page.

Travel Plans

Guidance on this is provided by Somerset Council as the highway authority. The South Somerset Local Plan (Policy TA4) sets out that the requirements for residential and non-residential travel plans which would be agreed and monitored by Somerset Council.

Visit Travel Plans for more information.

Adopting new roads

Somerset Council as the highway authority will typically adopt new roads after they are completed by developers. Somerset Council then has responsibility for all road maintenance.

To check if a road has been adopted, visit our Road Records page.