Road Drainage
This section describes responsibility for the drainage of
surface water from roads and streets.
Your responsibility?
The drain gratings found in the channels at the side of the
road are commonly called ‘gullies’ and are intended to carry water
from the surface of the road into the drainage system.
The drainage of private roads, yards and paths is normally the
responsibility of the landowners. This may be a shared
responsibility between you and your neighbours.
The drainage of adopted roads (public highways) and footways
is the responsibility of the highway authority, Cumbria County
Council. All adopted streets are shown on a set of maps held by the
highway authority.
What do I do if I suspect that a gully, on an adopted road, is
blocked?
Whilst the gullies on public roads are cleaned out
regularly, they can get blocked with leaves or other debris, which
could cause the road to flood.
To report a problem with the drainage of a public road or to
get further information contact the Cumbria County Council Highways
Hotline on 0845 609 6609, or via their
website.
What do I do if I suspect that a gully, on a private road, is
blocked?
If your property fronts onto the street you are likely to be
partly responsible for its upkeep. Contact a local reputable
drainage contractor who can unblock it for you. You can find a
number of local contractors under ‘drains’ in the local classified
directories. Most contractors will expect payment to be made by one
household and for you to collect equal contributions to the bill
from any of your neighbours who’s homes also front onto the
road.