The Transport Committee will tomorrow question experts on whether local authorities have the power to properly manage street works, amid concerns that when utility companies dig up roads it can cause prolonged traffic disruption and damage to surfaces and pavements.
The first panel will examine whether local authorities have the tools and resources they need to monitor street works effectively, and whether poor quality work to reinstate roads can also cost councils more to patch them up again later on.
Shropshire Council’s written evidence to the inquiry showed that around 14% of works it inspected between 2022 and 2024 had been completed to a poor standard.
Other councils have complained that after permits have been issued for utility companies to carry out ‘emergency’ works, there can be days of delay before backfilling of holes is carried out, meaning sites are left unattended – a major cause of frustration for motorists.
In the second panel, the cross-party Committee will question the Scottish Road Works Commissioner and consider whether England could benefit from having an equivalent to settle disputes between companies and councils over reinstatement works.
The second panel will explore further issues such as the guarantee period for reinstatement, coring (quality assurance of reinstatement works) and dispute mediation.
(Pic: Paul Hutton)
