SuDS in London - a guide

2.15 Highways
and planning
When developing a SuDS scheme on a
London road or street, contact the borough
and TfL as appropriate, in their capacity as
the local planning and highways authority.
The implementation of works which affect
infrastructure below ground level are
subject to the New Roads and Street
Works Act 1991, which sets out a code of
practice for the coordination of works. This
is administered by all highways authorities,
including TfL.
Under the Traffic Management Act 2004,
traffic authorities must ensure road
networks are managed effectively to
minimise congestion and disruption to
vehicles and pedestrians.
When working on the TfL Road Network
(TLRN) or on any borough roads, there
are requirements relating to a range of
issues, including the extent of the road
works, the code of conduct, lane rental
schemes (in case of TLRN) and highway
licences/permits.
Each highway authority has its own
restrictions (such as working hours,
noisy working, etc). Special consideration
should be given to works planned near
Underground, Cycle Superhighway or
rail systems.
SuDS measures must be designed to
ensure that maintenance and vehicle
access requirements can be met without
compromising the operation of the
network in terms of safety and disruption
to all road users.
2.16 Inclusive design
Any SuDS measure which influences
the public realm should be inclusively
designed. Design teams should consider
specific measures, such as raised edge
protection, when the following features
are proposed:
• Rain gardens
• Swales
• Open rills and runnels
• Gravel filter strips
• Detention ponds
• Other features with steep
or sudden drops
This is necessary to protect vulnerable
people, including children and visuallyimpaired
pedestrians. Each place must
cater to the needs of all and not restrict its
use by any group or individuals. The design
process must consider the needs of people
under the Equality Act 2010.
Accessible environments are inclusive to all
28 2 The London context