A Section 278 agreement manager handles the complex process of agreeing, designing and delivering highway works on the public highway that are required as a condition of planning permission. Under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980, a developer can enter into a legal agreement with the local highway authority (usually the county council) to fund and carry out improvements to the public highway adjacent to their development - such as new junctions, pedestrian crossings, traffic signal modifications or footway widening. The s278 process involves highway design, legal agreement, contractor procurement and supervised construction, all overseen by the highway authority.
What they do
- Prepare preliminary and detailed highway design for s278 works
- Liaise with the local highway authority to obtain design approval
- Progress the legal s278 agreement to execution
- Manage the highway authority's design check and approval process
- Procure and manage the approved highway contractor
- Oversee construction and obtain highway authority sign-off
- Coordinate traffic management and temporary road closures
- Manage the s278 bond and commuted sums arrangements
When you need one
An s278 agreement is needed whenever a planning condition or s106 obligation requires highway works to be carried out on the public highway as part of a development.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Highway design for small s278 (access only) | £2,000 - £6,000 |
| Highway design and s278 management (minor works) | £5,000 - £15,000 |
| Highway design and s278 management (major junction) | £20,000 - £80,000+ |
| Highway authority check fees (paid to LHA) | £2,000 - £20,000+ |
| S278 bond (typically 110% of works value) | Varies with works value |
| Hourly rate (highway engineer) | £60 - £110 / hr |
The highway authority charges their own fees for checking designs and inspecting construction - these are additional to consultant fees. Local highway authority fees and timescales vary considerably between councils.
Qualifications to look for
Most highway design consultants hold or work towards ICE chartered status. The Institution of Civil Engineers covers highway and transportation engineering. Check membership at ice.org.uk.
CIHT is the professional body specifically for highway and transportation engineers. Membership confirms specialist competence in highway design, traffic management and transport planning. Check membership at ciht.org.uk.
How to find a reputable s278 agreement manager
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What is a Section 278 agreement?
A Section 278 agreement (s278) is a legal agreement made under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 between a developer and the highway authority. It allows the highway authority to authorise works on the public highway and requires the developer to fund those works. S278 agreements are typically used where a planning condition or legal agreement (such as a s106) requires highway improvements - for example, a new or improved junction, pedestrian crossing, traffic signal modification or footway widening - to be carried out as part of a development.
How long does a Section 278 agreement take?
The s278 process is notoriously slow and timescales vary widely by local highway authority. From initial design approval to agreement execution typically takes 6-18 months. The works themselves then need to be programmed and constructed, often with significant constraints on working hours and traffic management. Developers should budget for at least 12-24 months from planning consent to completion of highway works on all but the simplest schemes.
Who manages the s278 agreement process?
The s278 process is typically managed by a highway design consultant or civil engineer who prepares the detailed highway design, liaises with the local highway authority, progresses the legal agreement, manages the approved contractor and oversees the construction works. They may work alongside the developer's planning consultant and solicitor to coordinate the s278 with planning conditions and s106 obligations.