About Streetworks

Works by Statutory Utility Companies

One of the questions frequently asked by the general public is who is digging up the road and why. A common misconception is that the Council is responsible for all excavations carried out within the highway. In fact, the Utility companies (Water, Electricity, Telecom, Gas, Sewers etc) carry out the majority of highway excavations along Herefordshire’s public road network. The legislation that defines the relationship between the Council and the Utility companies is the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

The 1991 Act defines the responsibilities and obligations of the Local Authorities and the Utility companies when working on the highway. It states that the Utility companies are responsible for their own excavations and reinstatements. The Highway Authority’s role is simply to monitor these works and to co-ordinate them with any other works or activities so that disruption is kept to a minimum. These works, whilst necessary for providing services, can cause delay and inconvenience to road users and local residents.

Utilities are required to give notice of their intention of works to the Council. The statutory notice periods are dependant upon the type, duration and location of the works. These notices will include such information as, where the works are to be carried out, what they involve, and how long they will be there for.

The New Roads and Street Works Act gives the Council only limited powers when dealing with Utilities, and the Authority has very little influence over the Utility companies' intention to dig up the highway. Major works often include site meetings between the Council and the Utility, but even then the Councils role is more advisory than authoritative.

Works by Private Individuals and Organisations

Where an individual or organisation other than a Statutory Utility wishes to break open a street to place or maintain any private apparatus, he must first seek permission from the Highway Authority and obtain a street works licence in accordance with Section 50 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. Holders of a licence are then empowered to carry out the works referred to. Notice of their intention to carry out works must be made to the Council. This notice includes information such as where the work is to be carried out, what they are doing, and how long they will be there for.

Works on Trunk Roads

The Highways & Transportation section maintains most roads within the County with the exception of the Trunk Roads. The Trunk Roads in Herefordshire are the A49, A465 Hereford to Abergavenny road, A40 and M50. These roads are maintained by AmeyMouchel on behalf of the Highways Agency.

The Council has no powers over works carried out on these roads, other than a general role of co-operation to avoid conflict with other works being carried out on the Council’s own road network.

Streetworks Schedule

The street works schedules provided are intended to identify street works and any other activities that are expected to be operating within the highway, and which are likely to cause some disruption to users of the road network. The information relates to pre-planned works being undertaken by Statutory Utility Companies, Private Developers, the Highway Authority, or any other person or persons wishing to carry out street works under the New Roads and Street Works Act, 1991.

The schedules do not include for additional unplanned urgent works, emergency works, or minor maintenance works that may arise from time to time on a daily basis.