Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with the regulatory arrangements relating to the conduct of roadworks on public highways undertaken by public utility companies.

The Government wants to deliver better journeys for drivers. Utility works are essential, but they should not be in place any longer than is absolutely necessary.

Whilst we are satisfied that the regulatory arrangements are working well, we continue to keep them under review to modernise and update legislation and statutory guidance where necessary, and where it will lead to improvements in the way that these works are managed.

Recent examples include a consultation on lane rental powers published on 2^nd September. Lane rental allows local authorities to charge utility companies for works on the busiest roads at the busiest times. We will shortly be publishing updated statutory guidance relating to inspections. In 2015, we updated regulations and guidance on permit schemes that are now in place in almost 60% of local authority areas and which are resulting in more effective management of street works and reductions in their duration. We continue to work with stakeholders to encourage more local authorities take up and adopt permit schemes.