Roadworks (Hansard, 6 April 1998)

§ Mr. Robathan
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what system of monitoring is in place to secure the most rapid possible completion of authorised roadworks in order to minimise disruption to traffic. [37276]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
On trunk roads, major highway works are normally subject to the lane rental form of contract, which gives the contractor a direct financial incentive to complete the works as quickly as practicable, usually by combining a bonus for early completion with a daily charge for late completion. The equivalent works on local highway authority roads are the responsibility of the authority concerned and information about them is not held centrally.
Works by statutory undertakers and licensees are governed by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. Street authorities are empowered by Section 66 of that Act to take action where the works are taking longer than reasonably necessary, but information about the use of the power is not held centrally.

§ Mr. Robathan
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what sanctions have been applied against those found in breach of the 12 month rule for the co-ordination of roadworks; [37275]
(2) how often over the last 12 months a breach of the 12 month rule for roadworks has been reported; and what follow-up action was then taken. [37277]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
This information is not held centrally.

§ Mr. Robathan
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what procedures apply in respect of the co-ordination of road work activity between repair, construction, cable and utility providers. [37278]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 the street authority (usually the local highway authority) is responsible for co-ordination of its8W own works and undertakers' street works in its area. The co-ordination machinery is set out in the Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters, published under the Act.