http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/section/283Highways Act 1980An Act to consolidate the Highways Acts 1959 to 1971 and related enactments, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission.1981-03-01texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-03-18Expert Participation2026-03-13 Part XIV Miscellaneous and Supplementary Provisions Miscellaneous powers <Abbreviation Expansion="et cetera" xml:lang="la">etc.</Abbreviation> of highway authorities and local authorities Power of Minister to conduct experiments.2831The Minister may, either by himself or through an authority or other organisation approved by him, conduct experiments or trials for the purpose of—aimproving the construction of highways, road-ferries or subways, orbtesting the effect of various classes of vehicles on various types of highways.2The Minister may construct such highways and works, erect such plant, and provide such accommodation, as may be necessary for the purpose of conducting an experiment or trial under this section.3An experiment or trial under this section shall not be conducted on any highway except with the consent of the highway authority or other person responsible for the maintenance of the highway.4If damage is caused to the property of any person by anything done in exercise of the powers conferred by this section, that person is entitled to recover from the Minister compensation in respect of the damage.A person is not entitled to compensation under this subsection if the damage was caused by his own negligence; and if his own negligence contributed to the damage the compensation shall be reduced accordingly.