Written question asked by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, for what reason (a) local authorities and (b) the Highways Agency are exempt from section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

Answer: Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason (a) local authorities and (b) the Highways Agency are exempt from section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. [160390] Mr. Hill: The powers under section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, introduced by the previous Government, provided for regulations to be made allowing charges to be levied on utility companies whose works exceed an agreed deadline. However, the Act did not extend this power to works carried out by highway authorities. This Government are determined to reduce the disruption which all works, whether carried out by utility or highway authority, cause to road users. The powers under section 74 have been activated with effect from 1 April this year. At the same time a revised code of practice for the co-ordination of works and best practice guidelines were published, which apply not only to works on behalf of utilities but also to works for local highway authorities and the Highways Agency. We are also considering whether further measures may be required.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 368 c34-5W; 160390
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Codes of practice Highways Agency Local government Powers Utilities Roads Repairs and maintenance Road works
Legislation: New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk