HC Deb 30 January 1984 vol 53 cc10-1W
Mr. Aspinwall

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce the start of the review of the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950; and what the terms of reference will be.

Mrs. Chalker

I have appointed Professor Michael R. Horne, OBE, ScD, FRS, F Eng, FICE, FIStructE to carry out the Review of the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950 and the associated model agreement and specifications. He will be assisted by two assessors, Mr. D. V. Ford, CEng, FIEE representing the public utilities and Mr. N. G. Ellis, OBE, FEng, FIMunE, FIHT representing the local authority associations.

The review, which starts immediately, is expected to last until the autumn. Written evidence is invited from any interested party and should be submitted to Professor Horne not later than 27 April 1984, at the following address: PUSWA Review, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL.

The terms of reference for the review are as follows:

  1. "(i) To review all aspects of the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950 and the 1974 Model Agreement and Specifications in the light of present-day circumstances.
  2. (ii) To consider, in particular,
    1. (a) the impact of current volumes and weights of traffic;
    2. (b) the different problems of rural and urban areas;
    3. (c) the safety of workmen, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians;
    4. (d) the adequacy of present reinstatement standards;
    5. (e) the adequacy of present financial arrangements for reinstatements;
    6. (f) the adequacy of present liaison arrangements between utilities and highway authorities;
    7. (g) the likely impact of new telecommunications (including cable) systems;
    8. (h) the adequacy of present arrangements to respond to highway needs which are caused by multiple openings;
    9. (i) the adequacy of the mapping by public utilities of underground services;
    10. (j) the sufficiency of research into new techniques (for example pipe replacement systems) and the promptness of implementation;
  3. (iii) To make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Transport taking account of any need for new voluntary arrangements or legislative changes."