Pavements

Trip hazards on pavements are a key concern at all times whilst the problems of weeds, standing water and ice tend to be more seasonal.
Trip hazards and other defects on pavements are addressed in the following priority order.

Priority area defect description
Slab movement, uneven ironwork, and potholes with a trip exceeding 20mm

1. Tarmac break up (fretting) with 20mm difference in level on urban footways.
2. Weed contamination of footway surface. 

Pavements, particularly those constructed of paving slabs, can suffer very badly from overriding vehicles.
Please note: In the case of damage, it is important, if possible, to report the vehicle details/findings so that the council can recover the full cost of repairs to the pavement.

When works are being undertaken on the highway (including the pavement/footway), the organisation, which may include utility companies, carrying out those works is responsible for ensuring there is a safe diversionary route for pedestrians and other traffic and a satisfactory reinstatement.

Private streets
A private street is a street that is not maintainable by the council. Streets that are unadopted are generally in a condition not meeting the standard of adopted streets. These are usually unmade (no bituminous surface) or setts (cobbles).
The responsibility for private streets lies with the street owners. These are usually the people who live on the street.
If the problem is thought to be a 'danger' (for example a deep hole in the road suddenly appearing) the council can arrange to make safe by placing barriers or road closures around the hazard. However, the permanent remedials  (chargeable to the owner) are then to be carried out by the owner(s).

Obstructions
The council in conjunction with the police have a duty to ensure that pavements and footways are not unlawfully obstructed. 
Types of obstruction can include deposit of building materials, scaffolding, hoardings, skips, advertising boards, wheelie bins, goods for sale, overhanging vegetation,skips or scaffolding. 

To report a wheelie bin causing an obstruction please call the number provided or email wastecustomerservice@luton.gov.uk

In certain circumstances the council will permit by application for a permit permission to temporarily occupy the footpath this will generally apply for building materials, hoarding and scaffolding and then only if there is considered sufficient footway width for pedestrians to safely access the obstruction.

Utility works are governed by strict legislation unsigned or unguarded road works should be reported

Overhanging vegetation can cause a problem for pedestrians particularly those with sight difficulties, where the council receives such a report of such problems the owner of the offending vegetation will be served notice to remove the problem within 28 days.

REPORT IT- To report a dangerous Footway or Obstruction, please contact us using the details provided below.