Highway authority
A highway authority is an organisation that is responsible for operating, administering and maintaining public roads.
As well as maintaining the condition of roads that fall within their remit, a highway authority should maintain the administrative records that relate to them, and regulate the activities of developers that have the potential of impacting upon the roads.
In the UK, the Highways Act 1980 defines the current role of a highway authority. In England, Highways England (formerly the Highways Agency) is the government body responsible for England’s trunk roads (i.e. major roads such as motorways, A roads, etc.). All other roads and public rights of way are the responsibility of the relevant area’s county council or unitary authority. In London, Transport for London (TfL) is the relevant body. In Scotland, the relevant body is Transport Scotland, while in Wales it is the Welsh Government.
In the US and Canada, a highway authority is a government agency typically referred to as a department of transportation (DOT). The largest in the US is the United States Department of Transportation which is a federal agency responsible for interstate travel. Certain US states can apportion responsibility for toll roads to separate authorities such as regional or metropolitan government.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Cutting road congestion.
- Five years of road investment strategy.
- Highways England.
- Highways in England and Wales.
- Infrastructure.
- Integrated transport system.
- Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works.
- Overview of the road development process.
- Risk management authority RMA.
- Road construction.
- Road improvement scheme consultation.
- Road investment strategy.
- Road traffic management.
- Traffic and transport.
Featured articles and news
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.