Authority to place road name on mapping

Sometime ago I inquired what information the Ordnance Survey required to place a road name on its maps.
The information passed to you today confirms what I had been previously told.
Would you please pass this e-mail to the person concerned and ask for confirmation of my understanding that the Ordnance Survey receives amendments and/or additions to road or street names by way of anecdotal information from Local Authorities.

Thank you for your e-mail dated 11^th October 2010. We are pleased to provide you with the following information with regard to your request.

When Ordnance Survey County Series was mapped in 1880-1890 the process was for surveyors to add the name of a road to mapping at the time of survey, if there was visible evidence such as an existing name tablet (for which local authority confirmation would have already been sought).

If there was no visible evidence at the time of survey of an existing name, the surveyor would ask a resident the name of the road. On receipt of the road name from a resident, the surveyor would then seek confirmation from the local authority. Any correspondence or confirmation received back from the local authority in relation to the name of a road would be recorded in an Object Name Book (ONB).

The ‘current’ process of naming roads resides with local authorities. Ordnance Survey is notified by local authorities of changes to road names. Ordnance Survey will usually re-survey to capture road names as they change, and this is supplemented with information from Royal Mail and from road and building contractors.

Please note that your enquiry has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. As all requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

FOI Appeals Officer

Customer Service Centre

Ordnance Survey

Romsey Road

SOUTHAMPTON

SO16 4GU 

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry

Reference number: FOI10102/October 2010