Book excerpt: First Published in 2004. As a consequence of so much construction work being carried out on or near highways, contractors ignore at the peril the law of highways and the influence it has, or should have, on their working methods and practices. Some knowledge of the law relating to highways is essential to anyone involved in the construction process, including the architect, engineer or surveyor advising a client as to what is possible and the contractor actually carrying out the contract works. By avoiding legal language this book aims to provide practical guidance from maintenance and improvements to activities related to construction work on or near highways.