§ Lord Lester of HerneHill asked Her Majesty's Government:
Which public authority is responsible for ensuring that roadworks in London are carried out with reasonable speed, with respect for the needs of road users and residents, and in accordance with an overall plan for London road transport. [HL596]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThe Mayor of London has a general duty under Section 141 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 to develop and implement policies for the promotion and encouragement of safe, integrated, efficient and economic transport facilities and services to, from and within Greater London. His transport strategy published under Section 142 of the Act contains proposals to achieve better control of utilities street works and works by highway authorities. The Government have made it clear that better management of our roads is essential and that the present legislation can be improved. It is vital that someone is responsible for minimising disruption across London as whole. We are holding urgent discussions with the key players about the way forward.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the safeguards to ensure that contractors are permitted to carry out roadworks in London with reasonable speed and with respect for the needs of road users and residents. [HL597]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonUtilities' street works have to be carried out in accordance with codes of practice under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. There is a non-statutory Code of Practice for Maintenance Management which the Department for Transport has strongly recommended to highway authorities. Both utilities' street works and works by highway authorities are subject to the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.