New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22)

(The document as of February, 2008)

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1 Before granting a street works licence the street authority shall give not less than 10 working days' notice to each of the following--

(a) where the works are likely to affect a public sewer, to the sewer authority,

(b) where the works are to be executed in a part of a street which is carried or crossed by a bridge vested in a transport authority, or crosses or is crossed by any other property held or used for the purposes of a transport authority, to that authority,

(c) where in any other case the part of the street in which the works are to be executed is carried or crossed by a bridge, to the bridge authority,

(d) to any person who has given notice under section 54 (advance notice of certain works) of his intention to execute street works which are likely to be affected by the works to which the licence relates, and

(e) to any other person having apparatus in the street which is likely to be affected by the works;

but a failure to do so does not affect the validity of the licence.

2 The street authority may require the payment of--

(a) a reasonable fee in respect of legal or other expenses incurred in connection with the grant of a street works licence, and

(b) an annual fee of a reasonable amount for administering the licence;

and any such fee is recoverable from the licensee.

This shall not be construed as affecting any right of the authority where they own the land on which the street is situated to grant for such consideration as they think fit the right to place anything in, under or over the land.

Conditions attached to licence

3 A street authority may attach to a street works licence such conditions as they consider appropriate--

(a) in the interests of safety,

(b) to minimise the inconvenience to persons using the street (having regard, in particular, to the needs of people with a disability), or

4 Where assignment of a street works licence is permitted, a condition may be attached requiring the consent of the street authority to any assignment.

Notice of change of ownership, &c.

5 (1) Where the licensee under a street works licence proposes--

(a) to cease using or abandon the apparatus, or

(b) to part with his interest in the apparatus,

he shall give the street authority at least six weeks' notice before doing so.

(2) Where the licensee under a street works licence granted to the owner of land and his successors in title proposes to part with his interest in the land, he shall before doing so give notice to the street authority stating to whom the benefit of the licence is to be transferred.

(3) A person who fails to comply with an obligation under this paragraph commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Withdrawal of licence

6 (1) The street authority may by notice in writing served on the licensee withdraw a street works licence--

(a) if the licensee fails to comply with any provision of this Part or any condition of the licence,

(b) if the authority become aware that the licensee--

(i) has ceased to use or has abandoned the apparatus, or intends to do so, or

(ii) has parted with or intends to part with his interest in the apparatus in a case where assignment of the licence is prohibited, or

(c) if the authority consider the withdrawal of the licence is necessary for the purpose of the exercise of their functions as street authority.

(2) The withdrawal takes effect at the end of such period beginning with the date of service as may be specified in the notice.

The period shall not be less than 7 working days in the case of a withdrawal under sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b), and shall not be less than three months in the case of a withdrawal under sub-paragraph (1)(c).

Removal of apparatus

7 (1) Where a street works licence expires or is withdrawn or surrendered, the street authority may remove the apparatus to which the licence relates or alter it in such manner as they think fit and reinstate the street, and may recover from the former licensee the expenses incurred by them in doing so.

(2) If they are satisfied that the former licensee can, within such reasonable time as they may specify, remove the apparatus or alter it in such manner as they may require and reinstate the street, they may authorise him to do so at his own expense.

(3) Before executing any works under this paragraph the street authority or the former licensee, as the case may be, shall give not less than 7 working days' notice to any person whose apparatus is likely to be affected and shall satisfy their requirements as to the method of executing the works and as to the supervision of the works by them.

(4) In this paragraph and paragraph 8 below "the former licensee" means the person who immediately before the expiry, withdrawal or surrender of a street works licence was the licensee or, if that person has died, his personal representatives.

Obligation of licensee to indemnify street authority

8 (1) The licensee under a street works licence shall indemnify the street authority against any claim in respect of injury, damage or loss arising out of--

(a) the placing or presence in the street of apparatus to which the licence relates, or

(b) the execution by any person of any works authorised by the licence;

and the former licensee shall indemnify the street authority against any claim in respect of injury, damage or loss arising out of the execution by the authority or the licensee of any works under paragraph 7.

(2) The liability of a licensee or former licensee under this paragraph arises--

(a) whether or not the damage or loss is attributable to negligence on their part or on the part of any person for whom they are responsible, and

(b) notwithstanding that they are acting in pursuance of a statutory duty.

(3) However, their liability does not extend to damage or loss which is attributable to misconduct or negligence on the part of--

(a) the street authority or a person for whom the authority are responsible, or

(b) a third party, that is, a person for whom neither the licensee or former licensee nor the authority are responsible.

(4) For the purposes of this paragraph the persons for whom a person is responsible are his contractors and any person in his employ or that of his contractors.

Appeal against decision of local highway authority

9 (1) Where the apparatus in respect of which an application for a street works licence is made to a local highway authority is to be placed or retained on a line crossing the street, and not along the line of the street, a person aggrieved by--

(a) the refusal of the authority to grant him a licence,

(b) their refusal to grant a licence except on terms prohibiting its assignment, or

may appeal to the Secretary of State.

(2) The procedure on an appeal shall be such as may be prescribed.

(3) Where on an appeal the Secretary of State reverses or varies the decision of the local highway authority, it is the duty of that authority to give effect to his decision.

Section 63(1).

SCHEDULE 4 Streets with special engineering difficulties

Introductory

1 In this Schedule a "street with special engineering difficulties" means a street for the time being designated under section 63 as having special engineering difficulties.

Requirement of plan and section

2 (1) In a street with special engineering difficulties street works (other than emergency works) involving--

(a) breaking up or opening the street, or any sewer, drain or tunnel under it, or

(b) tunnelling or boring under the street,

shall not be executed until a plan and section of the works have been settled by agreement between the undertaker and each of the relevant authorities or by arbitration.

(2) For that purpose an undertaker proposing to execute any such works shall submit a plan and section of them to each relevant authority.

3 Emergency works may be executed without a plan and section being so submitted or settled, but as soon as is reasonably practicable after the execution of the works the undertaker shall furnish a plan and section of the works to each relevant authority.

4 (1) In the case of a street which is not a maintainable highway and which the street managers have no liability to the public to maintain or repair, the undertaker may give the street managers a notice stating--

(a) the general effect of the works proposed or, as the case may be, of the emergency works executed, and

(b) that it is a notice given for the purposes of this paragraph.

(2) Where such a notice is given paragraphs 2 and 3 do not apply if the street managers do not, within 10 working days from the date on which the notice was given to them, give notice to the undertaker requiring the submission or furnishing of a plan and section to them.

5 (1) A relevant authority to whom a plan and section of works are required to be submitted or furnished may accept as, or in lieu of, a plan and section any description of the works, whether in diagram form or not, which appears to them to be sufficient.

(2) References in this Schedule to a plan and section include any such description so submitted or furnished to the form of which the relevant authority have not objected within the time allowed under paragraph 7(2) below.

6 If an undertaker--

(a) executes any works in contravention of paragraph 2, or

(b) fails to furnish a plan and section in accordance with paragraph 3,

he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Procedure on submission of plan and section

7 (1) A relevant authority to whom there is submitted a plan and section of street works proposed to be executed in a street with special engineering difficulties shall give notice to the undertaker--

(a) approving the plan and section without modification, or

(b) objecting to them in form as being on too small a scale or giving insufficient particulars, or

(d) disapproving them.

(2) The notice shall be given without avoidable delay, and at the latest before the end of the period of--

(a) 7 working days in the case of a plan and section of works relating only to--

(i) a service pipe or service line, or

(ii) overhead electric lines or telecommunication apparatus, and

(b) one month in any other case;

and as between the undertaker and a relevant authority who do not duly give notice before the end of that period, the plan and section as submitted shall be deemed to have been settled by agreement.

(3) The reference in sub-paragraph (2)(a)(i) to a service pipe or service line is to--

(a) a pipe or line through or by means of which a supply of gas, electricity or water is afforded or intended to be afforded to premises--

(i) directly from premises from which the supply originates, or

(ii) from a main, that is, a pipe or line for affording a general supply;

(b) a pipe through or by means of which sewerage services are afforded, or intended to be afforded, which is a private sewer or drain within the meaning of the [1989 c. 15.] Water Act 1989; or

(c) underground telecommunication apparatus for the purpose of providing a service by means of a telecommunication system to or from particular premises (as opposed to apparatus for the general purposes of such a system).

But so much of any such pipe, line or apparatus as is placed, or intended to be placed, for a continuous length of 100 metres or more in a maintainable highway shall be treated as not being a service pipe or service line.

(4) In this paragraph--

"electric line" has the same meaning as in Part I of the [1989 c. 29.] Electricity Act 1989;
"telecommunication apparatus" has the same meaning as in Schedule 2 to the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984; and
"telecommunication system" has the meaning given by section 4(1) of that Act (read with subsection (2) of that section).

8 (1) Where a relevant authority give notice approving the plan and section subject to modifications, or disapproving the plan and section, they shall state their reasons for doing so.

(2) If a relevant authority duly give notice--

(a) objecting to the plan and section in form, or

(b) approving them subject to modifications to which the undertaker does not agree, or

then, unless the notice is withdrawn, the undertaker may refer the matter to arbitration.

(3) If the notice is withdrawn, the plan and section as submitted shall be deemed to have been settled by agreement between the relevant authority and the undertaker.

9 A sewer authority or bridge authority may not give notice--

(a) approving a plan and section subject to modifications, or

(b) disapproving a plan and section,

on grounds other than such as relate to the injurious effect of the proposed works on their sewer or, as the case may be, on the structure or stability of their bridge.

Settlement of plan and section by arbitration

10 (1) The duty of the arbitrator where a matter is referred to arbitration is to settle a plan and section of works of the kind proposed, as works to be executed in the street.

(2) He may require the undertaker to submit to him a plan and section in such form, require the relevant authority to submit to him such observations on a plan and section submitted to him, and require the undertaker or the relevant authority to furnish him with such information and to take such other steps, as appear to him to be requisite.

(3) He may treat compliance with any such requirement made of the undertaker as a condition of his proceeding with the settlement of a plan and section, and compliance with any such requirement made of the relevant authority as a condition of his settling a plan and section otherwise than as proposed by the undertaker.

11 (1) Where the reference relates to the placing, altering or changing the position of apparatus in a street which is carried or crossed by a bridge, then, if the arbitrator is satisfied--

(a) that the execution of the works would be likely to affect injuriously the structure or stability of the bridge, and

(b) that it is not practicable to meet objection on that ground to the plan and section submitted,

he shall so declare, and shall not settle any plan and section of those works on the reference.

(2) This does not affect the right of the undertaker to submit another plan and section.

Objection to works executed without plan and section being settled

12 (1) This paragraph applies where street works have been executed in a street with special engineering difficulties without a plan and section having been settled with the street authority or another relevant authority, whether the works were executed in contravention of paragraph 2 above or were emergency works.

(2) The authority in question may, by notice to the undertaker, object to any of the works; and after affording the undertaker an opportunity to enter into an agreement with them for meeting the objection, may refer the matter to arbitration.

(3) The arbitrator may direct the alteration of the works to conform to a plan and section settled by him, or the removal of any apparatus placed in the execution of the works, and the undertaker shall comply with any such direction.

(4) In settling the terms of any such direction the arbitrator shall satisfy himself that compliance with it will not involve any undue interruption or restriction of the supply or service for the purposes of which the works were executed.

(5) If an undertaker fails to execute works in accordance with a direction under this paragraph, he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Execution of works in accordance with plan and section

13 (1) An undertaker executing street works in a street with special engineering difficulties shall, where a plan and section have been settled, execute the works in accordance with the plan and section as settled or, if each of the relevant authorities agrees to the modification of the plan or section, in accordance with them as so modified.

(2) If an undertaker fails to comply with sub-paragraph (1) he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Sections 101(4) and 102(6).

SCHEDULE 5 Procedure for making certain orders under Part III

Publication of proposals

1 Where the Secretary of State proposes to make an order under section 101 (effect of Part III on certain existing special enactments or instruments), or an order under section 102 (effect of Part III on other existing enactments or instruments) relating to a special enactment or instrument, he shall publish in the London Gazette, and in at least one newspaper circulating in the area in relation to which the enactment or instrument in question has effect, a notice--

(a) stating the general effect of the proposed order,

(b) specifying a place in that area where a copy of the draft order may be inspected by any person free of charge at all reasonable hours or may be purchased by any person at a reasonable charge, and

(c) stating that any person may, by notice given to the Secretary of State within three months from the date of the publication of the notice, object to the proposed order.

Notice to parties affected

2 Not later than the day on which the notice is published or, if it is published on two or more days, the day on which it is first published, the Secretary of State shall furnish each of the parties specified below by reference to the nature of the order with a copy of the draft order.

Order under section 101(4)(a) relating to protection afforded by an enactment or instrument	The undertaker by whom the power is exercisable and each of the persons to whom the protection in question was afforded.
Order under section 101(4)(b) relating to requirement of consent	The person whose consent would be required and the undertaker who would be required to obtain the consent.
Order under section 101(4)(c) rendering condition valid	The person by whom the condition would be imposed and the undertaker who would be required to comply with it.
Order under section 101(4)(d) modifying enactment or instrument to remove uncertainty or obscurity	As indicated above, according to whether the order relates to the protection afforded by an enactment or instrument, a consent requirement or the validity of a condition.
Order under section 102 amending, repealing or preserving effect of enactment or instrument	Any person whose interests are specially affected by the proposed provision.

Local inquiry

3 (1) The Secretary of State shall cause a local inquiry to be held if an objection to the proposed order is received by him--

(a) from a person required to be furnished with a copy of the draft order within three months from the date of his being furnished therewith, or

(b) from any other person appearing to him to be affected within three months from the day on which the notice of the proposed order is published, or if it is published on two or more days from the later or latest of them,

and the objection is not withdrawn.

(2) In the case of an objection made otherwise than by a person required to be furnished with a copy of the draft order, the Secretary of State may dispense with such an inquiry if he is satisfied that it is unnecessary.

4 (1) The provisions of section 250(2) to (5) of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 (which relate to the giving of evidence at, and the defraying of costs of, inquiries) apply in relation to a local inquiry held under paragraph 3.

(2) Subsection (4) of that section (which requires the costs of the department holding the inquiry to be defrayed by the parties thereto) shall not apply in so far as the Secretary of State is of the opinion, having regard to the object and result of the inquiry, that his costs should be defrayed by him.

Making of order

5 After considering any objections to the order which are not withdrawn and, where a local inquiry is held, the report of the person who held the inquiry, the Secretary of State may make the order either without modification or subject to such modifications as he thinks fit.

Special parliamentary procedure

6 If any objection is duly made by a person required to be furnished with a copy of the draft order and is not withdrawn, the order shall be subject to special parliamentary procedure.

Section 122(1).

SCHEDULE 6 Roads with special engineering difficulties

Introductory

1 In this Schedule a "road with special engineering difficulties" means a road for the time being designated under section 122 as having special engineering difficulties.

Requirement of plan and section

2 (1) In a road with special engineering difficulties road works (other than emergency works) involving--

(a) breaking up or opening the road, or any sewer, drain or tunnel under it, or

(b) tunnelling or boring under the road,

shall not be executed until a plan and section of the works have been settled by agreement between the undertaker and each of the relevant authorities or by arbitration.

(2) For that purpose an undertaker proposing to execute any such works shall submit a plan and section of them to each relevant authority.

4 (1) In the case of a road which is not a public road and which the road managers have no liability to the public to maintain or repair, the undertaker may give the road managers a notice stating--

(a) the general effect of the works proposed or, as the case may be, of the emergency works executed, and

(b) that it is a notice given for the purposes of this paragraph.

(2) Where such a notice is given paragraphs 2 and 3 do not apply if the road managers do not, within 10 working days from the date on which the notice was given to them, give notice to the undertaker requiring the submission or furnishing of a plan and section to them.

6 If an undertaker--

(a) executes any works in contravention of paragraph 2, or

(b) fails to furnish a plan and section in accordance with paragraph 3,

he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Procedure on submission of plan and section

7 (1) A relevant authority to whom there is submitted a plan and section of road works proposed to be executed in a road with special engineering difficulties shall give notice to the undertaker--

(a) approving the plan and section without modification, or

(b) objecting to them in form as being on too small a scale or giving insufficient particulars, or

(d) disapproving them.

(2) The notice shall be given without avoidable delay, and at the latest before the end of the period of--

(a) 7 working days in the case of a plan and section of works relating only to--

(i) a service pipe or service line, or

(ii) overhead electric lines or telecommunication apparatus, and

(b) one month in any other case;

and as between the undertaker and a relevant authority who do not duly give notice before the end of that period, the plan and section as submitted shall be deemed to have been settled by agreement.

(3) The reference in sub-paragraph (2)(a)(i) to a service pipe or service line is to--

(a) a pipe or line through or by means of which a supply of gas, electricity or water is afforded or intended to be afforded to premises--

(i) directly from premises from which the supply originates, or

(ii) from a main, that is, a pipe or line for affording a general supply;

(b) a pipe through or by means of which sewerage services are afforded, or intended to be afforded, which is not a sewer vested in a local authority; or

But so much of any such pipe, line or apparatus as is placed, or intended to be placed, for a continuous length of 100 metres or more in a public road shall be treated as not being a service pipe or service line.

(4) In this paragraph--

"electric line" has the same meaning as in Part I of the [1989 c. 29.] Electricity Act 1989;
"telecommunication apparatus" has the same meaning as in Schedule 2 to the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984; and
"telecommunication system" has the meaning given by section 4(1) of that Act (read with subsection (2) of that section).

8 (1) Where a relevant authority give notice approving the plan and section subject to modifications, or disapproving the plan and section, they shall state their reasons for doing so.

(2) If a relevant authority duly give notice--

(a) objecting to the plan and section in form, or

(b) approving them subject to modifications to which the undertaker does not agree, or

then, unless the notice is withdrawn, the undertaker may refer the matter to arbitration.

(3) If the notice is withdrawn, the plan and section as submitted be deemed to have been settled by agreement between them and the undertaker.

9 A local authority in whom a sewer is vested or a bridge authority may not give notice--

(a) approving a plan and section subject to modifications, or

(b) disapproving a plan and section,

on grounds other than such as relate to the injurious effect of the proposed works on their sewer or, as the case may be, on the structure or stability of their bridge.

Settlement of plan and section by arbitration

10 (1) The duty of the arbiter where a matter is referred to arbitration is to settle a plan and section of works of the kind proposed, as works to be executed in the road.

11 (1) Where the reference relates to the placing, altering or changing the position of apparatus in a road which is carried by or goes under a bridge, then, if the arbiter is satisfied--

(a) that the execution of the works would be likely to affect injuriously the structure or stability of the bridge, and

(b) that it is not practicable to meet objection on that ground to the plan and section submitted,

he shall so declare, and shall not settle any plan and section of those works on the reference.

(2) This does not affect the right of the undertaker to submit another plan and section.

Objection to works executed without plan and section being settled

12 (1) This paragraph applies where road works have been executed in a road with special engineering difficulties without a plan and section having been settled with the road works authority or another relevant authority, whether the works were executed in contravention of paragraph 2 above or were emergency works.

(3) The arbiter may direct the alteration of the works to conform to a plan and section settled by him, or the removal of any apparatus placed in the execution of the works, and the undertaker shall comply with any such direction.

(4) In settling the terms of any such direction the arbiter shall satisfy himself that compliance with it will not involve any undue interruption or restriction of the supply or service for the purposes of which the works were executed.

Execution of works in accordance with plan and section

13 (1) An undertaker executing road works in a road with special engineering difficulties shall, where a plan and section have been settled, execute the works in accordance with the plan and section as settled, or, if each of the relevant authorities agrees to the modification of the plan or section, in accordance with them as so modified.

(2) If an undertaker fails to comply with sub-paragraph (1) he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Sections 160(4) and 161(6).

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