Road adoption means the council taking ownership of a 'private street'.

A private street is a street which is not maintained at public expense, which means we are under no obligation to clean it or carry out repairs, even if it is a public right of way.

New roads constructed in accordance with our guidelines are normally adopted by way of an agreement between us and the developer.

View a list of Merton's adopted and unadopted roads

Apply for a road to be adopted

Existing roads will not normally be adopted unless they are brought up to current standards by the owners of the road. It may for example be unpaved, without kerbs, footways, surface water sewers, drains and lighting. We may resolve to raising the standard of a private street by providing any or all of the missing features or by improving the standard of any existing features.

If you are interested in having a road adopted please email trafficandhighways@merton.gov.uk