Public Rights of Way Team
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Planning and Transportation
Development House
P.O. Box 42
Lombard Street
West Bromwich
West Midlands
B70 8RU

Telephone: 0121 569 4008/4151/4219
Fax: 0121 569 4053
Email: transport@sandwell.gov.uk

Public Rights of Way - Enforcement

The Highway Authority has a legal duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to use Public Rights of Way's (PROWs) and also to prevent their obstruction. An unauthorised obstruction may render those liable to criminal prosecution and fines. The Council have powers to remove obstructions from PROW, e.g. any lawful obstruction that is not removed may render those liable those responsible to fines under Section 137 of the Highways Act 1980.

Any work to a PROW must be authorised by the Highway Authority and requries a legal basis to take place.

Under Section 130A Highways Act 1980 any member of the public can serve notice on the relevant Highway Authority to remove obstructions from PROW in certain situations.

Please contact the PROW team on 0121 569 4008/4151/4219 if you believe a route has been obstructed.