Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
2nd Report - Managing the impact of street works
Transport Committee
HC 522
Published 3 July 2025
Recommendations
14
Rejected
Consult on amending urgent works permit definitions and introducing fines for permit misuse.
Recommendation
Immediate urgent and immediate emergency permits are an essential tool, but they should be used in situations when there is a genuine need or plan to urgently fix a problem. The Department for Transport should consult on how the use …
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Government Response Summary
The government recognises the importance of appropriate permit use but states its review of data found no evidence of widespread misuse of immediate permits. It will not consult on amending the definition or introduce fines as recommended, but will work with HAUC to update the Co-ordination Code of Practice to provide greater clarity on when immediate permits should be used.
Department for Transport
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15
Rejected
Mandate utility companies to share upcoming work plans earlier, improving coordination with authorities.
Recommendation
Collaboration and coordination of works between utility companies and local authorities relies on sharing information on upcoming works well in advance. There are currently no requirements on utility companies to share plans for their upcoming work with local authorities. The …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees that early information sharing is essential but does not accept the recommendation to introduce mandatory requirements for utility companies to share long-term plans, citing existing tools and commercial sensitivity concerns. It will, however, work with the sector to explore wider adoption of best practices.
Department for Transport
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18
Rejected
Encourage and support more local authorities to implement lane rental schemes without Secretary of State approval.
Recommendation
Lane rental schemes have worked well and can be a useful tool for authorities to manage disruption on their busiest stretches of roads. The Department for Transport should go further to encourage and support more local authorities to set up …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects allowing all local authorities to set up lane rental schemes without Secretary of State approval, citing risks of inconsistency, fragmentation, and potential cost increases for consumers. However, it notes it has consulted on devolving approval powers specifically to Mayoral Combined Authorities and will publish results in due course.
Department for Transport
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