FixMyStreet report – Persistent drainage failure at signalised crossing

Location: Signalised pedestrian crossing / tactile paving area.

Issue type: Blocked / defective drainage causing standing water on footway and crossing Description I am reporting a persistent drainage failure at this pedestrian crossing, resulting in standing water across the footway and tactile paving area, as shown in the attached photographs. This issue has been repeatedly reported over the past two years and has consistently been marked as an “annual maintenance issue”. Despite this classification, no effective remedial action has been carried out, and the defect remains unchanged. The accumulation of surface water occurs at a signalised crossing point, where pedestrians are required to wait and cross. This creates a foreseeable hazard, particularly for: wheelchair users and mobility scooter users, people with visual impairment relying on tactile paving, older pedestrians, parents with pushchairs, pedestrians during low light or wet conditions. The issue is not cosmetic. Standing water at a controlled crossing increases slip risk, obscures tactile surfaces, and undermines safe use of the highway. History / failure to resolve This drainage problem has been reported repeatedly for approximately two years. Each time, it has been deferred under “annual maintenance”. No visible improvement has occurred. The continued presence of standing water demonstrates that the current approach is ineffective. A defect that persists across multiple inspection cycles cannot reasonably continue to be treated as routine. Statutory and policy basis Highways Act 1980 – Section 41 The Council has a duty to maintain the highway, including footways and drainage, so they are safe for ordinary use. Highways Act 1980 – Section 130 The Council must protect the public’s right to use and enjoy the highway safely and without obstruction or danger. Equality Act 2010 – Sections 20 and 29 Public authorities must take reasonable steps to ensure disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. Standing water across tactile paving and crossing points is a clear accessibility failure. Well-managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice Requires inspection and maintenance regimes to be: risk-based, proportionate, and responsive when defects persist. Repeatedly deferring a known drainage defect without resolution does not meet this standard. What is requested Investigation and repair of the drainage defect (not further deferral). Clear identification of the cause (blocked gully, failed fall, damaged drain, or design defect). A specific timescale for works, not a generic “annual maintenance” reference. Confirmation of interim safety measures if permanent repair cannot be carried out immediately. If this location is assessed as low risk, please explain how that assessment accounts for disabled users and crossing use, in line with Equality Act duties. Summary This issue has moved beyond routine maintenance and now represents a persistent safety and accessibility failure at a controlled pedestrian crossing. Continued deferral is not reasonable, proportionate, or compliant with statutory duties. I am requesting a substantive update and resolution