Some history
Since 1993
The first edition of Private Roads: The Legal
Framework was published in 1993. Spiral bound, and running to
a little over 100 pages, it sought to explain, as clearly as
possible, the law governing private roads in England and Wales - a
complicated and confusing mixture of property law, highway law, and
elements of private and public law, which constitutes a major
challenge for residents' associations and companies.
The book was well received, and it became
obvious that there was a real demand for information and guidance
in this area. Further editions of the book followed in
1997 and 2003 - the law is constantly changing, so that legal texts
need to be updated, and comments and feedback from users of the
book helped us to see where more or better explanation was
needed.
Insurance and other services
By 2003 it had become
clear that what was needed was not merely a book, but
an organisation which could offer support to residents'
associations and management companies. A proper insurance scheme
for private roads was a particular need, and we devoted a great
deal of time and effort to setting one up - the first of its kind,
we believe.
Private Roads Services was initially a partnership;
but since January 2005, when all insurance brokers became subject
to authorisation and regulation by the Financial Services
Authority, in pursuance of EU legislation, we have been a limited
company, Private Roads Services
Ltd.
In publishing the fourth
edition of our book, in 2007, we split off the guidance which had
previously been annexed to each chapter. The book (which is used
not just by residents' associations, but by lawyers, surveyors and
other professionals, as well as property companies and central and
local government staff) now confines itself to summarising the law,
while the practical guidance which residents' associations need is
to be found in an online text, Managing Private Roads and
Estates ("MPRE" for short) available to
associations which choose to join PRS and pay our very modest annual
subscription.
Today PRS provides support and
assistance to hundreds of private roads and estates in England and
Wales. We act as a source of information and guidance; and we offer
insurance cover under our exclusive insurance
scheme.
Last Updated: 26 September 2011