Decision details

Date of Decision:

1^st October, 2025

Title:

Code of Practice for Highway Inspection and Assessment (CoPHIA)

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Sam Barstow, Assistant Director, Community Safety & Street Scene

Details of Specific Delegation

or

Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Sub scheme delegation

That the Council’s powers relating to the above acts and any orders, regulations, statutory instruments, statutory Codes of Practice and/or Bylaws made thereunder and any future modifications, enlargements or amendments. The powers conferred include:- • Instigation of Legal Proceedings • Service of Statutory Notices • Granting and Refusal of Licences • Authorisation to Carry Out Work in Default.

Assistant Director – Community Safety and Street Scene Head of Service – Highways

Decision:

The Assistant Director, Community Safety & Street Scene approves the updated Code of Practice for Highway Inspection and Assessment (CoPHIA).

Reasons for the Decision:

The CoPHIA is reviewed and updated annually. The latest edition introduces a formal procedure for managing Roadside Memorials and includes a preface outlining the legal powers available to the Council, in its role as Highway Authority, to safeguard the safety and integrity of the highway network.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

No alternative options considered. Not annually updating the CoPHIA exposes the Council to unnecessary risk from an increase in successful highway claims and reputational damage.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interests

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an outside body which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Not applicable

Reports or parts of reports relevant to the decision being taken:

(Revised) Code of Practice for Highway Inspection and Assessment