Street Naming

Street naming and numbering is a statutory function. The relevant powers for local authorities are contained in Sections 64 and 65 of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847, and Sections 17, 18 and 19 of the Public Health Act of 1925. The legislation requires the Local Authority to prepare street naming and numbering schemes and to maintain a good standard of street nameplates.

Public Health Act 1925, S 19 gives authorities the power to insist that the name of every street shall be shown in a conspicuous position and also alter or renew it if it becomes illegible. This section makes it illegal to pull down a street name, which has been lawfully set up, or fixes a notice or advertisement within close proximity to the sign.

The legislation also give the Council’s the ability to make Regulations about erecting the names of public streets and ensuring that the names and numbers of buildings are displayed by owners in accordance with those regulations.