The Highways Committee is responsible for specific functions related to public rights of way, highways, and open spaces within County Durham, particularly when objections or representations are made.
It provides guidance on matters including public rights of way where objections exist, and advises on the exercise of delegated functions under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953 when objections are unresolved. The committee also handles the council's licensing and regulatory duties for common land and town/village greens, and advises on proposals to appropriate or dispose of open spaces if objections remain.