Under normal circumstances, the highway should be free from obstructions at surface level and kept clear of physical projections at any height above the highway.

Highways include carriageways, footways, cycleways and verges. Anything that causes interference with the space above these is not normally permitted. However, this can be permitted through a licence.

These can include:

• shop signs
• canopies over shop frontages
• balconies - usually at second floor and above
• hanging baskets - permanent or temporary