Adoption of private streets

A private street is a street that is not maintained at public expense. Lancashire County Council, as the highway authority, is not required to repair private streets, even if the public has a right to use them.

Adoption of private roads

The county council will consider requests to adopt private roads so they become maintainable at public expense. However, we will not usually adopt a private road unless it meets the county council’s adoption standard.

We will look at issues such as:

• Whether the street is unpaved

• If there are adequate kerbs, footways (pavements), surface water sewers, gullies, and lighting

Most of the costs to bring a private street up to the council’s standard will usually be paid by the owners of properties next to the street. We will not normally start a private street works scheme unless most of the affected property owners support it.

The county council may decide to improve the private street by adding missing features or upgrading existing ones. When the work is finished to our satisfaction, we may adopt the street.

Please note: Council funding to cover part of the cost of private street works is currently limited.

Contact us

Lancashire Highways Service
Customer Service Centre
Lancashire County Council
Preston
PR1 8RD

Tel: 0300 123 6780