"Under the Highways Act 1980 we are unable to purchase any properties or land unless specifically required for a scheme, " he said.

BBC: Air Balloon Cottages

Ruling on the council's appeal, Lord Justice Hughes said he could find no flaw in the High Court judge's ruling that the council had breached its "absolute duty" under the Highways Act 1980 to adequately inspect and maintain the road.

BBC: Devon County Council faces crash bill for millions

HiPerforma is made with a solar cell technology called Pluto, which creates ultra thin copper lines that act as highways to transport the electricity produced by the cells.

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