HAL - Highways Action Line

What is HAL?

Caring for County Durham's 3,508 kilometres of roads is the responsibility of Durham County Council. It is a huge task, with 32 traffic light junctions, 81 pedestrian crossings and 73000 street lights to maintain.
Ensuring everything is working as it should is a priority for the Council and that is the reason we have created HAL.

HAL is Durham County Council's Highways Action Line, a one-stop call centre set up to allow you to quickly and easily report any road and lighting defects and hazards. You can call HAL on 0191 370 6000.

Roads and pavements

Damaged pavements and potholes on the roads can cause injury to pedestrians and damage to vehicles. Such defects pose an even greater danger to children, older people and cyclists, so if you see anything in need of repair then give HAL a call on 0191 370 6000.

Street Lights

Unfortunately, many street lights are put out of action by vandalism as well as through malfunction. Broken lights make our streets dark, causing even the shortest journeys to be more worrying.

If you see a street light out of action then get it fixed by calling HAL on 0191 370 6000. Please try to quote the column number when reporting street lighting as it helps for a speedier repair.

Remember - Live electrical wires can kill. If you see exposed wires on street lights, call HAL immediately and we will make the repair a top priority.

Traffic Lights

Traffic light faults can mean delays, traffic jams and accidents. Give HAL a call on 0191 370 6000 and we'll get things moving again.

Blocked Road Drains

Blocked gullies are a problem as rainwater causes flooding when it can't drain away. If you see a problem then call HAL on 0191 370 6000.

There are many potential problem areas and HAL needs your help to keep on top of them. If you see any road or lighting hazards then call HAL on 0191 370 6000 and he'll get it sorted.

Remember - HAL can help you walk, cycle and drive safely and comfortably.

How to report a fault

When you see a problem, take note of what it is and where it is - the more information you can give us then the quicker we can get things moving. Call HAL on 0191 370 6000 and our staff will ask you a few brief questions. When reporting a street lighting fault, please try and quote the number printed on the lighting column. This will enable us to pinpoint exactly where it is.

Our staff are highly trained in using the new HAL computerised call system and will quickly get information from you on the type of problem, its location and how urgent it is. From this information, a report will be sent immediately for action.

We need you to help us by telling us of potential hazards you see in the community so when you do, think of HAL and give him a call on 0191 370 6000.

You can also report Road and Lighting faults directly through our online report forms:

Street Lighting Fault

Report a Highways/Road Fault

See our Highway Enforcement Policy and find more information about Highway Maintenance Schemes 2003 - 2004.


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