Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
2nd Report - Managing the impact of street works
Transport Committee
HC 522
Published 3 July 2025
Recommendations
16
Accepted
Support development and promotion of apps using accurate open-source data on street works.
Recommendation
Up-to-date information on local street works is essential for the public, whether residents or road users. The Department should support the development and promotion of apps which make use of open source data, and ensure that the data is accurate, …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees that up-to-date information is essential and states it already provides open data from the Street Manager platform for use by third-party developers, with over 170 organisations actively using it. It will continue to engage with the tech sector and focus on ensuring data quality, but does not believe the government needs to develop or actively promote apps itself given the existing market.
Department for Transport
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17
Accepted
Ensure early notification and coordinated planning of utility connections for new housing developments.
Recommendation
Coordination of street works for new housing developments is not happening as often as it should. The Department for Transport should work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on how best to ensure that authorities are notified …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees there is scope to improve coordination for new housing developments and commits to working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to explore options for encouraging early sharing of utility connection plans by developers and utility companies.
Department for Transport
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Conclusions (5)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Street works are essential for many of the services we rely upon, such as running water, energy and internet access, but they can cause widespread issues for road and pavement users alike. Street works can disrupt people’s journeys, including through congestion, delays and road closures which affect drivers, cyclists and …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges issues with street works and states that provisions already exist to address them, including regulations for charges on prolonged occupation of the highway. It notes that charges will apply to weekends and bank holidays from December 2024, aiming to encourage best practice and proportionate enforcement.
3
Conclusion
Accepted
All road closure signage should specify exactly where the road closure is. When immediate permits are issued, this should be done as soon as reasonably practicable. (Recommendation, Paragraph 23)
Government Response Summary
The government is undertaking an ongoing update to the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice, collaborating with devolved governments and stakeholders. It is preparing to launch a consultation outlining specific changes to improve accessibility during street works, incorporating DPTAC advice, with further improvements to be included based on consultation feedback.
4
Conclusion
Accepted
In our report about accessibility in transport, we asked for more transparency about the impact that the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) has on the Department’s decision-making. This is important for providing assurance that policy processes in respect of accessibility have been robust and meaningful. It was disappointing that …
Government Response Summary
The government details a performance-based inspection regime introduced in 2023 for utility companies, which links inspection rates to defect performance. It commits to evaluating the effectiveness of this regime next year and will work with the Scottish government to understand their extended guarantee period for reinstatements.
5
Conclusion
Accepted
We ask the Department to set out specific changes that have been made to the new Safety Code of Practice to improve accessibility during street works and how advice from DPTAC has been incorporated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 28) 31 Managing the impact on roads and pavements
Government Response Summary
The government commits to engaging with HAUC to review the existing two-cycle inspection cap, to understand if changes are needed due to evolving operational challenges or new evidence. The aim is to ensure the regulatory framework supports timely and cost-effective repairs and improves reinstatement quality.
7
Conclusion
Accepted
Local authority budgets for road maintenance are stretched thin; they can ill afford the expense of making good reinstatements which are not up to scratch. We note the concern about increasing costs being reflected in utility bills, but there is a balance to be struck: good quality road and pavement …
Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing legal frameworks that allow permit scheme fee discounts to incentivise efficient street works and early completion. It commits to engaging with highway authorities to understand how these powers are being used, identify any implementation barriers, and determine if further guidance amendments are needed to ensure consistent and effective use of fee incentives.