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Roads: Names

Volume 694: debated on Monday 16 July 2007

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What guidance they issue to local authorities regarding the geographical, local and historical criteria to be fulfilled in advance of the naming of new roads. [HL4727]

The department has not issued any recent guidance to local authorities regarding the geographical, local and historical criteria to be fulfilled in advance of the naming of new roads.

The naming of new streets is carried out under Section 17 of the Public Health Act 1925, and postal numbering is carried out under Section 64 of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847. Local authorities are responsible for the naming and numbering of new streets and the changing/reallocation of individual property addresses. Many local authorities ensure that the naming of any new roads preserves some historic local connection to the area. In many cases, the council will carry out a consultation exercise with the Royal Mail, the appropriate local town or parish council and the relevant highway authority before any new name is decided.