Issue - meetings
Proposed New Policy for Articles on the Highway
Meeting: 10/03/2026 - Cabinet (Item 11)
11 Articles on the Highway Policy 
PDF 149 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Background:
This report sought Cabinet approval to commence public consultation on a new Articles on the Highway Policy. The proposed policy would replace the previously agreed, but not implemented, 2016 policy. It also removed references to tables and chairs, which were now governed under the separate Pavement Licensing Policy.
The revised draft policy established a clearer and more consistent framework for the management of A?boards, shopfront displays, and other articles placed on the highway.
It was noted that the report formed part of a wider programme of work to modernise Medway’s highway?related policies. The updated Articles on the Highway Policy would sit alongside a suite of related policies currently under development, covering key areas such as the movement and safety of pedestrians, vehicle parking on the highway, overhanging vegetation and boundary features, and the storage of materials or other items on verges.
|
Decision number: |
Decision:
|
|
The Cabinet noted that the 2016 policy was agreed but not implemented and would be superseded by this Policy. |
|
|
The Cabinet noted that tables and chairs were now regulated exclusively under the Pavement Licensing Policy. |
|
|
52/2026 |
The Cabinet approved the draft updated Articles on the Highway Policy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, which included the proposed fee and enforcement structure. |
|
53/2026 |
The Cabinet agreed to commence public consultation in relation to the proposed updated Articles on the Highway Policy. |
Reasons:
To allow the Council to undertake a public consultation on the draft Articles on the Highway Policy, ensuring transparency, stakeholder engagement and legal robustness before the policy is presented for Cabinet approval.
To modernise and clarify the Council’s approach to managing A?boards, shop displays and other articles on the highway, replacing the previously agreed but unimplemented 2016 policy.
To ensure the updated policy aligns with current legislation and Council responsibilities, while complementing the separate Pavement Licensing regime for tables and chairs.
To support Cabinet oversight of corporate risk by ensuring a formal consultation mitigates challenge, improves accessibility considerations, and strengthens the final policy proposal before Cabinet adoption.