The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment which sought approval for a Stret lighting Attachment Policy for the Borough of Oldham. Under Section 178 of The Highways Act 1980, there was a legal requirement for any individual who wishes to attach signage or equipment to a street lighting asset to obtain a licence from the local highway authority.
The Cabinet was advised that to date, the Street Lighting Service had been using a robust process to allow attachments to its lighting columns. However, the service had identified that there was no formal Council policy in place covering the requirements of the The Highways Act and the current contract for replacement of the streetlighting assets. The Director of Environment’s report therefore requested approval of a policy, which outlined the legal and council requirements for anyone wish to attached items to the streetlights.
Options/Alternatives considered:
Due to the Highways Act and the current PFI contractual requirements, there was no alternative option for Street Lighting Attachments. A robust process had been undertaken to ensure that the policy is fit for purposes and compliant with both the Highways Act 1980 and PFI obligations.
Resolved:
That the Street Lighting Attachment Policy (detailed at Appendix 1, to the submitted report), be approved for implementation, thereby allowing the Council to formally provide the requirements needed for Applicants to gain an Attachment Licence, and therefore, ensure compliance with The Highways Act 1980 and the council’s contractual requirements.