§ 17. Andrew SelousTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the cost to businesses of the overrunning of road works contracts which obstruct entry to business premises in the last five years. [100194]
§ Mr. JamiesonWhere a highway authority carries out works under a statutory power or duty, and performs those works properly, there is not at law any liability on the authority for loss of business.
Consequently, no assessment is made of the cost to businesses of the overrunning of road works contracts.
Nevertheless, the Highways Agency recognises the disruption these works can cause and requires its contractors to complete them as quickly as possible with minimum disruption to businesses. Every effort is made to ensure that its road works do not obstruct entry to business premises or, otherwise, alternative access arrangements are provided.