Highways Act agreements and licences.
A plain-English guide to the Highways Act processes developers meet most often, and help getting the right agreement or licence in place.
Also known as: Highways Act, Highways Act 1980, Section 38, Section 184, highway adoption, highway licence
What’s included.
The Highways Act 1980 sets out how works on and next to the public highway are approved. Developers most often meet Section 38 (adoption of new roads), Section 278 (works to existing highways) and Section 184 (vehicle crossings), along with licences for skips, scaffolding and temporary works.
- Section 38 adoption agreements
- Section 278 highway works agreements
- Section 184 vehicle crossings
- Licences for temporary works
- Highway boundary and extent checks
- Stopping up and diversion advice
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
The right route
We tell you which process applies, so you do not apply for the wrong thing.
Early boundary checks
Highway extent confirmed before design relies on it.
Joined up
Agreements coordinated with the planning conditions and programme.
Questions we get asked
What is a Section 38 agreement?
An agreement for the highway authority to adopt new roads built by a developer, once they are completed to its standards.
Do I need a licence to work next to the road?
Often, for things like scaffolding, skips, hoardings and temporary access. The highway authority issues them.
Can a public highway be stopped up for development?
Yes, through a separate legal process, usually under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. We can advise on whether it is needed.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with Highways Act agreements and licences?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.