Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the requirements local councils must adhere to in relation to the notification and coordination of street works.

Section 59 of the New Roads and Street Works Act imposes a duty on local councils as street authorities to “use their best endeavours to co-ordinate the execution of works of all kinds”. Similarly, section 60 imposes a duty on utility companies to use their “best endeavours to co-operate with the street authority and with other undertakers”. Utilities have either to give notice to street authorities of their intention to carry out works or obtain a permit to do so, depending on whether the street authority in question operates a notice scheme or a permit (and in some cases, a lane rental) scheme.

In addition, there is a statutory code of practice, Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters, which can be viewed at

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/43578/street-works-code-of-practice.pdf