§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much private contractors are charged when their construction and demolition work for private concerns blocks or hinders the public highway and pavements.
§ Mr. ChopeUnder part IX of the Highways Act 1980, any person carrying out building or demolition work who places any scaffolding, other structure, hoarding, fence, builders' skip, or building materials which obstructs the highway is required to obtain a licence, permission or consent from the highway authority, and to comply with its terms. The highway authority does not have power to charge for occupation of the highway. The New Roads and Street Works Bill before Parliament includes an amendment to the Highways Act 1980 which would enable fees to be prescribed for the occupation of the highway in such circumstances.