A new housing iniative for 1000 homes is always great, especially when the local highway is safe for all concerned.
In the UK
- Local councils must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 so disabled users can access public spaces equally.
- If the bridge belongs to National Highways, Network Rail, or the council, they must consider accessibility.
I am a wheelchair user and the footpath on the bridge at this location is far too narrow for safe use, and the surface is broken. My wheelchair is not safe on this pavement. I have experienced difficulty/near misses because the path is below modern accessibility standards. Please can you assess the bridge for improvements under the Equality Act 2010 and UK Accessibility Standards?
Essex Highways handles most highway structures — bridges, footpaths, roads — in Essex. essexhighways.org+2essexhighways.org+2 ; and are a bit useless.
However, railway bridges (i.e. bridges carrying railway over public roads/footpaths or vice versa) are typically managed by Network Rail. essexhighways.org+1 ; who are ignoring their role.
That means the broken surface and narrow footpath under or on the bridge might fall under Network Rail’s responsibility — especially given it’s a “railway bridge.” It is actually both on the bridge and after the bridge on the footpath.
If Essex Highways don’t responded, you’re entitled to make an official complaint under your local authority’s complaints process. Local Gov+2essexhighways.org+2. Raise the issue publicly / involve local representatives
If a formal complaint gets no meaningful response — or you think the issue is being ignored — you might:
- Contact your local councillor(s) (they often have more influence and can push highways or infrastructure teams). Mostly Conservative wasters.
- Consider contacting your Member of Parliament for the area. Sometimes even a simple letter from your MP can prompt action. Resolver+1 ; another Conservative waster
- Contact local disability-advocacy or accessibility groups to help amplify the issue — a wheelchair user facing a broken, narrow footpath is a legitimate concern under accessibility standards.
3. As a last resort: external review via ombudsman or regulator
If you have followed the complaints procedure and still no action:
- You can approach Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) to review the case. They examine whether the local authority failed in its duty to maintain highways or respond properly. GOV.UK+2Local Gov+2
- If the bridge is managed by Network Rail (because it’s a railway bridge), you can also file a formal complaint with them. Their “General Complaints” route covers infrastructure issues, including bridges. Network Rail
📄 What to Include / Keep When Escalating
- Copies of any previous reports or messages you sent to Essex Highways
- Photos of the footpath / bridge showing damage, narrowness, hazards — good evidence that it’s a real safety/access issue
- Clear description of how it affects you (e.g. as a wheelchair user, risk of wheel snagging or falls, inability to pass)
- Dates, times, any near-misses or incidents (if you’ve had any)
- A request for repair, inspection, and/or widening — emphasising accessibility under equality/accommodation laws
That is enough for NOW.