Introduction
When we carry out substantial roadworks, we may restrict further works in the area for up to 5 years.
The substantial roadworks list gives details of all streets where the restrictions apply. No streetworks can be carried out on these streets during the restricted period without our consent.
This is subject to certain exemptions and regulations and we will not withhold consent without reason.
You may undertake works during a restriction if:
- the works fall within the categories of exempt works listed below, or
- the works have our consent
Exempt works and reduced restrictions
Works which are exempt or subject to reduced restrictions are:
- minor works that do not involve breaking up or excavating in the highway
- immediate works (for emergency or urgent purposes)
- customer connections (after 20 days)
- works to comply with either an improvement notice or prohibition notice issued by the Health and Safety Executive under sections 21 or 22 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- works carried out under regulation 16(3)(b) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- works carried out to comply with a programme approved under regulation 13A of the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996 (SI1996/825, as amended by SI2003/2563)
- works that could not have been identified before the restriction began
Customer connections
If a statutory undertaker (utility or cable company), receives a request for a new customer connection after the period for response to a New Roads and Street Works Act Section 58 or Section 58A notice of restriction, and it is not possible to carry out the necessary works before the restriction comes into force, then an embargo on carrying out those works will apply for 20 working days (the date the restriction begins plus 19 days) immediately following the completion of the substantial street or road works.
Where possible, customers should request services to be installed before any major works on the highway.
Before an appropriate notice to work is issued, the Statutory Undertaker must contact us to discuss their proposals and the extent of the works in the street. A notice must be submitted and contain the information discussed, the fact that it is a customer connection, and the name of the council officer who has confirmed the proposal. It is expected that the minimum works will be carried out to provide the connection, but it should be recognised that in some circumstances, extra work may be required to minimise disturbance to the restricted surfaces.
Other works during a restriction
If the proposed works do not fall within one of the exempt categories, then the works may be carried out, but only with our consent.
You must apply for consent, specifying, in addition to the standard street works information, the grounds on which consent is sought. Once consent is granted, notice must be given as normal.
Statutory undertakers
We supply statutory undertakers (utility and cable companies) with a list of roads that will be affected by restrictions. This is supplied to them three months in advance of the substantial works or embargo starting. You can find substantial roadworks lists in Downloads.
Statutory undertakers should do their utmost to give details of their plans for works in affected streets as early as possible within the notice to work periods, and to complete their works before any specified starting date or in accordance with directions. If works overrun or have to be carried out after the specified date, it would be sensible from the point of view of road users for these street works to be accommodated before completion of the substantial works concerned.
A new road surface has been constructed and now a utility company is digging a trench in it.
The utility company may be carrying out work that is exempt from the restrictions imposed, generally this is an emergency or to restore utilities for a customer (for example, water or gas).
