Ms Jennifer JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the impact of unregulated utility trenching on the environment in the west midlands. [14725]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonUnder the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, local highway authorities have a duty to co-ordinate utility street works and the utilities have a duty to co-operate with the highway authorities and with each other. The Act also imposes requirements as to the standard of reinstatements and as to signing and guarding of works in progress. The Government keep the working of the Act under review and expect to make changes to the associated secondary legislation from time to time.