Issue - meetings
Articles on the Highway Policy
Meeting: 22/09/2026 - Cabinet (Item 5)
5 Articles on the Highway Policy 
PDF 136 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Background:
The report presented the outcome of the public consultation on the draft Articles on the Highway Policy and sought Cabinet approval to adopt and implement the final policy. The policy replaced the previously agreed but unimplemented 2016 policy and provided a modern, legally robust framework for managing A?boards, shopfront displays, minor articles and temporary obstructions on the public highway.
The Medway wide policy formed part of wider actions being taken to improve the public realm in Medway.
A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken and was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.
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Decision number: |
Decision:
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132/2026 |
The Cabinet approved the final Articles on the Highway Policy, set out at Appendix 3 to the report, for implementation and noted that future fee levels would be updated annually through the Council’s Fees and Charges process. |
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133/2026 |
The Cabinet agreed the 2016 Placing Objects on the Highway Policy was formally superseded. |
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134/2026 |
The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Head of Highways, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, to finalise the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Regulatory Services. |
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135/2026 |
The Cabinet agreed that the Policy be published and communicated to traders, residents and stakeholders, with implementation commencing from 1 April 2027. |
Reasons:
To implement a modern, enforceable and legally aligned policy that protects pedestrian safety and accessibility.
To ensure compliance with statutory duties under section 130 of the Highways Act 1980 to prevent unlawful obstruction of the highway.
To provide clarity for traders and residents and support consistent enforcement across Medway.
To mitigate corporate risk by ensuring the policy is legally defensible following full public consultation.