To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters introduced in March 2008 under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 in reducing the disruption caused to traffic by such works by (a) utilities and (b) other contractors.

holding answer 21 October 2008

The powers in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 were amended and supplemented by the Traffic Management Act 2004 to help tackle disruption. The Department has commissioned an evaluation of certain parts of the Traffic Management Act 2004 that is due to be completed in summer 2010.

This will include the impact of strengthened powers introduced in April and May 2008 by Traffic Management Act 2004. These increased local authorities' powers to direct when works by statutory undertakers may take place and where apparatus may not be located. Statutory guidance is provided on these powers in code of practice for the "Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters" published in July 2007 and updated in March 2008.