Highway Records

Essex County Council, as the local Highway Authority, holds thousands of hard copy maps and legal documents relating to the extent and status of highways within the county.

These records consists of:

• Maps showing all publicly maintainable highways in Essex, including Public Rights of Way
• All documentation relating to updates and amendments to maps, such as Adoptions, Stopping Up Orders, Section 38 Agreements, Section 106 Agreements, Side Roads Orders, Compulsory Purchase Orders, Dedication Agreements
• Digital records and databases

For more information about the Highway Records we keep, we have produced a presentation which you can download below (PDF).

To view which roads we are responsible for, go to our Highways Information Map, then click on Assets, then Highway Records. 
(You need to accept the terms and conditions to view the map.)

For enquiries relating to Highway Records, please contact: highwayrecords@essexhighways.org

Ditch proviso

Our highway boundary plans come with a ditch proviso*, a visual explanation of which is shown below.

*Important note: This information is given with the proviso that where there is a roadside ditch or pond, that ditch or pond (even if it has been piped or infilled) would not in the majority of circumstances form part of the highway. Often, roadside ditches, which are apparent on the ground are not indicated on the Ordnance Survey Mapping.

It is advised that further clarification in this regard is sought where the boundary could be affected by the presence of an historic ditch as this may be crucial when determining available land for highway works, visibility, and the placement of boundary features such as fences, walls, or hedges.