Section 278 (S278) agreements are essential for developers and local authorities when a new development impacts the road highway.
These agreements fall under the Highways Act 1980. The agreement means private developers can fund improvements or modifications to public highways, allowing the development to go ahead. This might involve changes like new junctions, traffic signals or pedestrian crossings. The aim is to ensure the surrounding road network remains safe and functional.
Why is Section 278 Essential?
There are a few reasons why they are so important.
- Legal framework: Section 278 provides the legal foundation for developers carrying out work on public highways. It ensures all projects are compliant with safety and quality standards.
- Accessibility: Through the S278 the developers can create better road infrastructure, ensuring public safety and good traffic flow.
- Financial responsibility: The S278 shifts the financial responsibility from the public to the developer. If developers need the road layout to be changed, to provide access to a new development, then it is the developer’s financial responsibility to arrange this.
When planning a new development that will impact the local public highway, there are a few key considerations developers should bear in mind:
- Developers should engage with local highway authorities as early as possible, to ensure approvals are in place before work starts.
- Developers must supply a detailed design to make the S278 application, and this design must comply with local and national standards.
- Developers are responsible for the cost, and sometimes maintenance, of the new highway for a defined period following the construction.
Who Can Complete S278 Works?
It’s important to note that just because the financial responsibility sits with the developer, that doesn’t mean they can choose to hire any old contractor to complete the work. The contractor must be approved by the local highway authority. The contractor must possess certain qualifications and they must comply with strict standards, ensuring safe and quality work is completed on public highways.
SB Civils: S278 Contractors
Since our formation, SB Civil Engineering has helped a wealth of firms in the British highways sector with Section 278-compliant roadworks and urban regeneration.
Our team works closely with local highway authorities across the south-east of England, Hertfordshire and throughout London. This has equipped us with an extensive level of experience, understanding and confidence in everything concerning the Section 278 Highways Act (S278) and the public highway sector.