Section 278 Highway Agreements

Expert transport planning support for Section 278 highway works

Where a development requires alterations to the existing public highway, the Local Highway Authority will often require the works to be delivered under a Section 278 Agreement.

At DW Transportation, we help developers, architects and planning consultants understand what is required, coordinate with the Highway Authority and provide the transport planning support needed to progress highway improvement schemes from planning permission through to implementation.

Whether your project involves a new access, alterations to an existing junction, pedestrian crossing improvements or other highway works, we can guide you through the process and work alongside your highway design team to help keep projects moving.

What is a Section 278 Agreement?

A Section 278 Agreement is a legal agreement made under the Highways Act 1980 that allows developers to carry out improvements or alterations within the existing public highway.

These agreements are commonly required where a planning permission includes highway works such as:

  • New site access junctions

  • Ghost island right-turn lanes

  • Traffic signal alterations

  • Pedestrian crossings

  • Footway widening

  • Cycle infrastructure

  • Highway realignment

  • Visibility improvements

The agreement ensures that all works are designed, approved and constructed to the standards required by the Local Highway Authority before they become part of the adopted highway.

How DW Transportation can help

Our role is to help clients understand the highway requirements associated with their development and provide practical transport planning advice throughout the planning and delivery process.

We can assist with:

  • Assessing highway conditions attached to planning permissions

  • Liaising with Local Highway Authorities

  • Supporting discussions during the planning application process

  • Advising on the transport implications of proposed highway works

  • Working alongside highway designers and engineers

  • Providing transport planning input into Section 278 schemes

  • Supporting the discharge of highway-related planning conditions

Where specialist highway engineering design is required, we can also work alongside experienced highway design consultants to provide a coordinated service.

Early advice can save time and cost

Many developers first become aware of a Section 278 requirement only after planning permission has been granted.

However, the agreement process can take many months to complete and often involves detailed technical approval, legal agreements, construction programming and financial securities.

Seeking advice early in the planning process can help identify potential highway requirements, improve programme certainty and reduce the risk of delays to development.

Why choose DW Transportation?

With almost 15 years' experience supporting planning applications throughout the UK, we understand both the planning system and the practical challenges associated with delivering highway improvements.

Our approach is straightforward and commercially focused. We work closely with clients, architects, planning consultants and Highway Authorities to identify practical solutions that support successful planning outcomes while helping developments progress efficiently.

Whether your project requires a simple access improvement or forms part of a more complex Section 278 scheme, we can provide clear, pragmatic transport planning advice throughout the process.