Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support local councils in dealing with emergency road closures by utilities companies; and whether she plans to allow highways authorities to extend working hours in such situations.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that emergency street works by utilities companies are managed efficiently and with minimal disruption to local communities. Highway authorities already have effective powers under the current legislative framework to coordinate and oversee such works, including emergency road closures. We continue to review and strengthen these regulations to ensure they remain proportionate and effective, and we remain committed to working closely with local authorities, utilities, and stakeholders to deliver a modern and accountable street works regime.

Emergency works are undertaken under an immediate permit to address or prevent circumstances that are existing or imminent and pose a risk to people or property. These works must commence without delay, at any time, and are exempt from the standard working hours that apply to planned works.