The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995

• Citation: S.I. 1995/3210 (N.I.)
• Sections: 125

Section 1 Title and commencement

(1) This Order may be cited as the Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

(2) This Order shall come into operation on such day or days as the Head of the Department may by order appoint .

(3) An order under paragraph (2) may contain such transitional provisions as appear to the Head of the Department to be necessary or expedient.

Section 2 General interpretation

(1) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 shall apply to Article 1 and the following provisions of this Order as it applies to a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

(2) In this Order—

“apparatus” includes any structure for the lodging therein of apparatus or for gaining access to apparatus;

“carriageway” and “footway” have the same meaning as in the Roads Order;

“the Department” means the Department of the Environment;

“in”, in a context of referring to works, apparatus or other property in a street or other place, includes a reference to works, apparatus or other property under, over, across, along or upon it;

“ NUAR provision ” means any of Articles 45A to 45I and Schedule 2ZA;

“the planning appeals commission” means the planning appeals commission constituted under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 ;

“prescribed” means—

except in Articles 39 and 40 and a NUAR provision, prescribed by regulations made by the Department;

in Article 40 and a NUAR provision, prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State;

“railway” includes a light railway other than one in the nature of a tramway;

“reinstatement” includes making good;

“road” has the same meaning as in the Roads Order;

“the Roads Order” means the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993;

“statutory provision” has the meaning assigned to it by section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954;

“statutory right” means a right (whether expressed as a right, a power or otherwise) conferred by a statutory provision, other than a right exercisable by virtue of a street works licence;

“traffic” and “traffic sign” have the same meaning as in the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 ;

“tramway” means a system, mainly or exclusively for the carriage of passengers, using vehicles guided, or powered by energy transmitted, by rails or other fixed apparatus installed exclusively or mainly in a street;

“working day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.

(3) A right to execute works which extends both to a street and to other land is included in references in this Order to a right to execute works in a street in so far as it extends to the street.

(4) A right to execute works which extends to part of the street but not the whole is included in references in this Order to a right to execute works in a street; and in relation to such a right references in this Order to the street in which it is exercisable shall be construed as references to the part to which the right extends.

(5) For the purposes of this Order apparatus shall be regarded as affected by works if the effect of the works is to prevent or restrict access to the apparatus (for example, by laying other apparatus above or adjacent to it).

(6) Section 18 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Northern Ireland) Act 1978 (power to define “disability” and other expressions) applies in relation to the provisions of this Order as to the provisions of that Act.

Section 3 Streets and street works

(1) In this Order a “street” means the whole or any part of any of the following, irrespective of whether it is a thoroughfare—

(a) any road, highway, lane, footway, alley or passage,

(b) any square or court, and

(c) any land laid out as a way whether it is for the time being formed as a way or not.

Where a street passes over a bridge or through a tunnel, references in this Order to the street include that bridge or tunnel.

(2) The provisions of this Order apply to a street which is not a road subject to such exceptions and adaptations as may be prescribed.

(3) In this Order “street works” means works of any of the following kinds (other than works for road purposes) executed in a street in pursuance of a statutory right or a street works licence—

(a) placing apparatus, or

(b) inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, repairing, altering or renewing apparatus, changing the position of apparatus or removing it,

or works required for or incidental to any such works (including, in particular, breaking up or opening the street, or any sewer, drain or tunnel under it, or tunnelling or boring under the street).

Section 4 Undertakers

(1) In this Order “undertaker” in relation to street works means the person by whom the relevant statutory right is exercisable (in the capacity in which it is exercisable by him) or the licensee under the relevant street works licence, as the case may be.

(2) References in this Order to the undertaker in relation to apparatus in a street are to the person entitled, by virtue of a statutory right or a street works licence, to carry out in relation to the apparatus such works as are mentioned in Article 3(3); and references to an undertaker having apparatus in the street, or to the undertaker to whom apparatus belongs, shall be construed accordingly.

(3) This Article is subject to Article 9(3).

Section 5 Works for road purposes and major road works

(1) In this Order “works for road purposes” means works of any of the following descriptions executed in relation to a road—

(a) works for the maintenance of the road,

(b) any works under powers conferred by any of Articles 7, 43 to 46 or 63 to 65A of the Roads Order (general powers of improvement),

(c) the erection, maintenance, alteration or removal of traffic signs on or near the road, or

(d) the construction of a crossing for vehicles across a footway or grass verge or the strengthening or adaptation of a footway for use as a crossing for vehicles,

or works of any corresponding description executed in relation to a street which is not a road.

(2) In this Order “major road works” means works of any of the following descriptions executed by the Department in relation to a road which consists of or includes a carriageway—

(a) reconstruction or widening of the road,

(b) substantial alteration of the level of the road,

(c) provision, alteration of the position or width, or substantial alteration in the level of a carriageway, footway or cycle track in the road,

(d) the construction or removal of a road hump or other traffic calming works within the meaning of Article 65 of the Roads Order,

(e) works carried out in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 58(4)(b) of the Roads Order as applied by Article 86 of that Order (vehicle crossings over footways and verges),

(f) provision of a cattle-grid in the road or works ancillary thereto, or

(g) tunnelling or boring under the road.

Section 6 Emergency works

(1) In this Order “emergency works” means works whose execution at the time when they are executed is required in order to put an end to, or to prevent the occurrence of, circumstances then existing or imminent (or which the person responsible for the works believes on reasonable grounds to be existing or imminent) which are likely to cause danger to persons or property.

(2) Where works comprise items some of which fall within the preceding definition, the expression “emergency works” shall be taken to include such of the items as do not fall within that definition as cannot reasonably be severed from those that do.

(3) Where in any civil or criminal proceedings brought by virtue of any provisions of this Order, the question arises whether works were emergency works, it is for the person alleging that they were to prove it.

Section 7 The street authority and other relevant authorities

(1) In this Order “the street authority” in relation to a street means, subject to the following provisions—

(a) if the street is a road, the Department, and

(b) if the street is not a road, the street managers.

(2) Paragraph (1)(b) has effect subject to Article 46 as regards the application of this Order to prospective roads.

(3) In this Order the expression “street managers”, used in relation to a street which is not a road, means the authority, body or person liable to the public to maintain or repair the street or, if there is none, any authority, body or person having the management or control of the street.

(4) The Department may by regulations make provision for exempting street managers from provisions of this Order which would otherwise apply to them as the street authority in relation to a street.

(5) References in this Order to the relevant authorities in relation to any works in a street are to the street authority and also—

(a) where the works include the breaking up or opening of a public sewer in the street, the sewer authority ;

(b) where the street 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, that authority; and

(c) where in any other case the street is carried or crossed by a bridge, the bridge authority.

Section 8 Interpretation of expressions relating to bridges

(1) In this Order—

(a) references to a bridge include so much of any street as gives access to the bridge and any embankment, retaining wall or other work or substance supporting or protecting that part of the street; and

(b) “bridge authority” means the authority, body or person in whom a bridge is vested.

(2) In this Order, “major bridge works” means works for the replacement, reconstruction or substantial alteration of a bridge.

(3) Where a street is carried or crossed by a bridge, any statutory right to place apparatus in the street includes the right to place apparatus in, and attach apparatus to, the structure of the bridge; and other rights to execute works in relation to the apparatus extend accordingly.

References in this Order to apparatus in the street include apparatus so placed or attached.

Section 9 Interpretation of expressions relating to sewers

(1) In this Order—

(a) “ sewer ” and “ public sewer ” have the same meanings as in the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006;

(b) “ sewer authority ”, in relation to a public sewer, means the sewerage undertaker in which the sewer is vested.

(2) References in this Order to apparatus include a sewer, drain or tunnel.

(3) References to the undertaker in relation to such apparatus, or in relation to street works in connection with such apparatus, shall be construed—

(a) in the case of a public sewer, as references to the sewer authority , and

(b) in any other case, as references to the authority, body or person having the management or control of the sewer, drain or tunnel.

Section 10 Interpretation of expressions relating to transport

(1) In this Order—

(a) “transport authority” means the authority, body or person having the control or management of a transport undertaking; and

(b) “transport undertaking” means a railway, tramway, dock, harbour, pier, canal or inland navigation undertaking of which the activities, or some of the activities, are carried on under statutory authority.

(2) In this Order “major transport works” means substantial works required for the purposes of a transport undertaking and executed in property held or used for the purposes of the undertaking.

(3) References in this Order to a street which crosses or is crossed by property held or used for the purposes of a transport undertaking extend to cases in which the street and the property in question are at different levels.

But the transport authority shall not be treated as a relevant authority as regards undertakers' works in such a street where the property in question consists only of—

subsoil of the street which is held by the transport authority but is not used, and has not been adapted for use, for the purposes of the transport undertaking, or

property underground at such a depth that there is no reasonable possibility of the works affecting it.

(4) The provisions of this Order relating to a street which crosses or is crossed by property held or used for the purposes of a transport undertaking apply to a street which is or forms part of a towing-path or other way running along a canal or inland navigation, provided the path or way is held or used, or the subsoil of it is held, for the purposes of the canal or inland navigation undertaking.

Section 11 Street works licences

(1) The street authority may grant a licence (a “street works licence”) permitting a person—

(a) to place, or to retain, apparatus in the street, and

(b) thereafter to inspect, maintain, adjust, repair, alter or renew the apparatus, change its position or remove it,

and to execute for those purposes any works required for or incidental to such works (including, in particular, breaking up or opening the street, or any sewer, drain or tunnel under it, or tunnelling or boring under the street).

(2) A street works licence authorises the licensee to execute the works permitted by the licence without obtaining any consent which would otherwise be required to be given—

(a) by any other relevant authority in its capacity as such, or

(b) by any person in his capacity as the owner of apparatus affected by the works;

but without prejudice to the provisions of this Order as to the making of requirements by any such authority or person or as to the settlement of a plan and section and the execution of the works in accordance with them.

(3) A street works licence does not dispense the licensee from obtaining any other consent, licence or permission which may be required.

(4) The provisions of Schedule 1 have effect with respect to the grant of street works licences, the attachment of conditions and other matters.

(5) A street works licence may be granted—

(a) to a person on terms permitting or prohibiting its assignment, or

(b) to the owner of land and his successors in title;

and references in this Order to the licensee are to the person for the time being entitled by virtue of the licence to do anything permitted by it.

(6) The following, namely—

(a) any licence granted before the coming into operation of this Article under Article 79 of the Roads Order or any corresponding earlier statutory provision for the execution in a street of any such works as are mentioned in paragraph (1); and

(b) any licence, consent, permission or other authority for the execution in a street of any such works as are mentioned in that paragraph granted or given by the street manager before the coming into operation of this Article,

shall have effect after the coming into operation of this Article as a street works licence; but paragraph (2) shall not apply in relation to such a licence.

(7) The works referred to in paragraph (1) do not include works for road purposes.

Section 12 Prohibition of unauthorised street works

(1) It is an offence for a person other than the street authority—

(a) to place apparatus in a street, or

(b) to break up or open a street, or a sewer, drain or tunnel under it, or to tunnel or bore under a street, for the purpose of placing, inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, repairing, altering or renewing apparatus, or of changing the position of apparatus or removing it,

otherwise than in pursuance of a statutory right or a street works licence.

(2) A person committing an offence under this Article is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(3) This Article does not apply to—

(a) works for road purposes,

(b) emergency works of any description,

(c) works done with the consent of the Department given under the Roads Order,

(d) works done under the authority of a licence issued by the Department under the Roads Order,

(e) works required to be carried out by a notice to which Article 58 of the Roads Order applies, or

(f) works done by, or under the direction of, a constable which do not involve the breaking up of opening of a street.

(4) If a person commits an offence under this Article, the street authority may—

(a) in the case of an offence under paragraph (1)(a), direct him to remove the apparatus in respect of which the offence was committed, and

(b) in any case, direct him to take such steps as appear to the authority necessary to reinstate the street or any sewer, drain or tunnel under it.

If he fails to comply with the direction, the authority may remove the apparatus or, as the case may be, carry out the necessary works and recover from him the costs reasonably incurred by it in doing so.

Section 12A Permit scheme

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Section 13 The street works register

(1) The Department shall keep a register showing with respect to each street such information as may be prescribed with respect to the street works, and such other descriptions of works as may be prescribed, executed or proposed to be executed in the street.

(2) The register shall contain such other information, and shall be kept in such form and manner, as may be prescribed.

(3) The Department shall make the register available for inspection, at all reasonable hours and free of charge—

(a) so far as it relates to restricted information, by any person having authority to execute works of any description in the street, or otherwise appearing to the Department to have a sufficient interest, and

(b) so far as it relates to information which is not restricted, by any person.

The Department may make provision by regulations as to the information which is restricted for the purposes of this paragraph.

(4) The Department may by regulations make provision with respect to any register kept in pursuance of this Article—

(a) requiring the registration of such information as may be prescribed, and

(b) requiring the payment of such fee as may be prescribed in respect of the registration of information of any prescribed description;

and the regulations may contain provision as to the person responsible for securing the registration of the information and the person liable to pay the fee.

Section 13A Duty to inspect records

(1) The Department may make provision by regulations requiring an undertaker proposing to execute street works of a prescribed description to inspect prescribed statutory records before commencing the street works.

(2) The regulations may provide for the manner in which an inspection of any statutory records is to be carried out.

(3) The regulations may prescribe evidence which may be relied on by the undertaker to demonstrate that he has carried out an inspection required by the regulations.

(4) The regulations may in particular require the undertaker—

(a) to be in possession of prescribed evidence before commencing the street works; and

(b) to produce, in such manner as may be prescribed, prescribed evidence to the street authority either at the request of the authority or at or by such time as may be prescribed.

(5) The regulations may provide for the cases or circumstances in which a requirement under paragraph (1) or (4) does or does not apply.

(6) The regulations may create a summary offence, punishable with a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, in respect of any contravention by an undertaker of a requirement of the regulations.

(7) In this Article “ statutory record ” means any register or other record kept in pursuance of a requirement imposed by—

(a) a statutory provision; or

(b) a licence or other instrument having effect under or by virtue of a statutory provision.

Section 14 Advance notice of certain works

(1) In such cases as may be prescribed an undertaker proposing to execute street works shall give the prescribed advance notice of the works to the street authority.

(2) The notice shall contain such information as may be prescribed.

(3) After giving advance notice under this Article an undertaker shall comply with such requirements as may be prescribed, or imposed by the street authority, as to the providing of information and other procedural steps to be taken for the purpose of co-ordinating the proposed works with other works of any description proposed to be executed in the street.

(4) An undertaker who fails to comply with his duties under this Article commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

Section 15 Notice of starting date of works

(1) An undertaker proposing to begin to execute street 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 give not less than 7 working days' notice (or such other notice as may be prescribed) to the street authority, to any other relevant authority and to any other person having apparatus in the street which is likely to be affected by the works.

(2) Cases may be prescribed under paragraph (1) in which no notice is required.

(3) The notice shall state the date on which it is proposed to begin the works and shall contain such other information as may be prescribed.

(4) Where notice is required to be given under this Article, the works shall not be begun without notice or before the end of the notice period, except with the consent of those to whom notice is required to be given.

(5) An undertaker who begins to execute any works in contravention of this Article commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(6) In proceedings against a person for such an offence it is a defence for him to show that the contravention was attributable—

(a) to his not knowing the position, or not knowing of the existence, of another person's apparatus, or

(b) to his not knowing the identity or address of—

(i) a relevant authority, or

(ii) the person to whom any apparatus belongs,

and that his ignorance was not due to any negligence on his part or to any failure to make inquiries which he ought reasonably to have made.

(7) A notice under this Article shall cease to have effect if the works to which it relates are not substantially begun before the end of the period of 7 working days (or such other period as may be prescribed) beginning with the starting date specified in the notice, or such further period as may be allowed by those to whom notice is required to be given.

Section 16 Power to give directions as to timing of street works

(1) If it appears to the street authority—

(a) that proposed street works are likely to cause serious disruption to traffic, and

(b) that the disruption would be avoided or reduced if the works were carried out only at certain times,

the authority may give the undertaker such directions as may be appropriate as to the times when the works may or may not be carried out.

(2) The procedure for giving a direction shall be prescribed by the Department.

(3) An undertaker who executes works in contravention of a direction under this Article commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(4) The Department may issue or approve for the purposes of this Article a code of practice giving practical guidance as to the exercise of the power conferred by this Article; and in exercising that power street managers shall have regard to the code of practice.

Section 16A Power to give directions as to placing of apparatus

(1) Where—

(a) an undertaker is proposing to execute street works consisting of the placing of apparatus in a street (“street A”),

(b) placing the apparatus in street A is likely to cause disruption to traffic, and

(c) it appears to the street authority that—

(i) there is another street (“street B”) in which the apparatus could be placed, and

(ii) the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied,

the authority may by direction require the undertaker not to place the apparatus in street A (but may not require him to place the apparatus in street B).

(2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1)(c) are that—

(a) disruption to traffic would be avoided or reduced if the apparatus were to be placed in street B;

(b) placing the apparatus in street B would be a reasonable way of achieving the purpose for which the apparatus is to be placed; and

(c) it is reasonable to require the undertaker not to place the apparatus in street A.

(3) A direction under this Article may be varied or revoked by a further such direction.

(4) The procedure for giving a direction under this Article shall be prescribed.

(5) The Department may by regulations make provision for or in connection with appeals to the planning appeals commission against directions under this Article.

(6) An undertaker who executes works in contravention of a direction under this Article commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(7) An undertaker shall be taken not to have failed to fulfil any statutory duty to afford a supply or service if, or to the extent that, his failure is attributable to a direction under this Article.

(8) The Department may issue or approve for the purposes of this Article a code of practice giving practical guidance as to the exercise by street authorities of the power conferred by this Article; and in exercising that power street authorities shall have regard to the code of practice.

Section 17 Notice of emergency works

(1) Nothing in Article 14 (advance notice), Article 15 (notice of starting date) or Article 16 (directions as to timing of works) affects the right of an undertaker to execute emergency works.

(2) An undertaker executing emergency works shall, if the works are of a kind in respect of which notice is required by Article 15, give notice as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within 2 hours (or such other period as may be prescribed) of the works being begun, to the persons to whom notice would be required to be given under that Article.

(3) The notice shall state his intention or, as the case may be, the fact that he has begun to execute the works and shall contain such other information as may be prescribed.

(4) An undertaker who fails to give notice in accordance with this Article commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(5) In proceedings against a person for such an offence it is a defence for him to show that the contravention was attributable—

(a) to his not knowing the position, or not knowing of the existence, of another person's apparatus, or

(b) to his not knowing the identity or address of—

(i) a relevant authority, or

(ii) the person to whom any apparatus belongs,

and that his ignorance was not due to any negligence on his part or to any failure to make inquiries which he ought reasonably to have made.

Section 18 Restriction on works following substantial road works

(1) Where it is proposed to carry out substantial road works in a street, the street authority may by notice in accordance with this Article restrict the execution of street works during the 12 months following the completion of those works.

For this purpose substantial road works means works for road purposes, or such works together with other works, of such description as may be prescribed.

(2) The notice shall be published in the prescribed manner and shall specify the nature and location of the proposed works, the date (not being less than 3 months after the notice is published, or first published) on which it is proposed to begin the works, and the extent of the restriction.

(3) A copy of the notice shall be given to each of the following—

(a) where there is a public sewer in the part of the street to which the restriction relates, the sewer authority ,

(b) where the part of the street to which the restriction relates 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, that authority,

(c) where in any other case the part of the street to which the restriction relates is carried or crossed by a bridge, the bridge authority,

(d) any person who has given notice under Article 14 (advance notice of certain works) of his intention to execute street works in the part of the street to which the restriction relates, and

(e) any other person having apparatus in the part of the street to which the restriction relates;

but a failure to do so does not affect the validity of the restriction imposed by the notice.

(4) A notice ceases to be effective if the works to which it relates are not substantially begun—

(a) on or within one month from the date specified in the notice, or

(b) where street works are in progress on that date in the part of the street to which the restriction relates, within one month from the completion of those works.

(5) An undertaker shall not in contravention of a restriction imposed by a notice under this Article break up or open the part of the street to which the restriction relates, except—

(a) to execute emergency works,

(b) with the consent of the street authority, or

(c) in such other cases as may be prescribed.

(6) If he does—

(a) he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, and

(b) he is liable to reimburse the street authority any costs reasonably incurred by it in reinstating the street.

(7) The consent of the street authority under paragraph (5)(b) shall not be unreasonably withheld; and any question whether the withholding of consent is unreasonable shall be settled by arbitration.

(8) An undertaker shall be taken not to have failed to fulfil any statutory duty to afford a supply or service if, or to the extent that, his failure is attributable to a restriction imposed by a notice under this Article.

Section 18A Restriction on works following substantial street works

Schedule 1A shall have effect.

Section 19 General duty of street authority to co-ordinate works

(1) A street authority shall use its best endeavours to co-ordinate the execution of works of all kinds (including works for road purposes) in the streets for which it is responsible—

(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), and

(c) to protect the structure of the street and the integrity of apparatus in it.

(2) That duty extends to co-ordination with other street authorities where works in a street for which one authority is responsible affect streets for which other authorities are responsible.

(3) The Department shall issue or approve for the purposes of this Article codes of practice giving practical guidance as to the matters mentioned above; and in discharging their general duty of co-ordination street managers shall have regard to any such code of practice.

(4) If it appears to the Department that street managers are not properly discharging their general duty of co-ordination, the Department may direct the street managers to supply it with such information as the Department considers necessary to enable the Department to decide whether that is the case and if so what action to take.

The direction shall specify the information to be provided and the period within which it is to be provided.

(5) If after the end of that period (whether or not the direction has been complied with) it appears to the Department that the street managers are not properly discharging their general duty of co-ordination, the Department may direct the street managers to take such steps as the Department considers appropriate for the purpose of discharging duty.

The direction shall specify the steps to be taken and the period within which they are to be taken, and may include a requirement to make a report or periodic reports to the Department as to what steps have been taken and the results of taking them.

(6) A direction under this Article may be varied or revoked by a further direction.

Section 20 General duty of undertakers to co-operate

(1) An undertaker shall as regards the execution of street works use his best endeavours to co-operate with the street authority and with other undertakers—

(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), and

(c) to protect the structure of the street and the integrity of apparatus in it.

(2) The Department shall issue or approve for the purposes of this Article codes of practice giving practical guidance as to the matters mentioned in paragraph (1); and—

(a) so far as an undertaker complies with such a code of practice he shall be taken to comply with his duty under that paragraph, and

(b) a failure in any respect to comply with any such code is evidence of failure in that respect to comply with that duty.

(3) An undertaker who fails to comply with his duty under paragraph (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Section 21 Protected streets

(1) The consent of the street authority is required for the placing of apparatus by an undertaker in a protected street, except as mentioned below.

The following are “protected streets” for this purpose—

any—

road,

road in the course of construction, or

proposed road,

which is a special road in accordance with Article 15 of the Roads Order; and

any street designated by the street authority as protected.

(2) Consent is not required for the placing of apparatus—

(a) by way of renewal of existing apparatus, or

(b) in pursuance of a street works licence,

unless, in the latter case, the licence was granted before the street became a protected street.

(3) The street authority may require the payment of—

(a) a reasonable fee in respect of the legal or other expenses incurred in connection with the giving of its consent under this Article, and

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

and any such fee is recoverable from the undertaker.

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

(4) Where the apparatus is to be placed crossing the protected street and not running along it, the street authority shall not withhold its consent unless there are special reasons for doing so.

(5) Consent to the placing of apparatus in a protected street may be given subject to conditions; and the street authority may agree to contribute to the expenses incurred by the undertaker in complying with the conditions.

(6) Any dispute between the street authority and an undertaker as to the withholding of consent, the imposition of conditions, or the making of contributions shall be settled by arbitration.

(7) An undertaker having a statutory duty to afford a supply or service shall not be regarded as in breach of that duty if, or to the extent that, it is not reasonably practicable to afford a supply or service by reason of anything done by the street authority in exercise of its functions under this Article.

(8) A consent granted under Article 17 of the Roads Order shall have effect as a consent granted under this Article.

Section 22 Supplementary provisions as to designation of protected streets

(1) The Department may prescribe—

(a) the criteria for designating a street as protected,

(b) the procedure for making or withdrawing such a designation, and

(c) the information to be made available by the street authority as to the streets for the time being so designated by it.

(2) Where a street has been designated as protected the street authority may direct an undertaker to remove or change the position of apparatus placed in the street at a time when it was not so designated.

The authority shall indemnify the undertaker in respect of his reasonable expenses in complying with such a direction.

(3) Where a designation is withdrawn the street authority may give such directions as it considers appropriate as to—

(a) the continuance in force of any conditions subject to which consent was given for the placing of apparatus in the street, and

(b) the continuance of entitlement to any contributions in respect of the expenses of an undertaker in complying with such conditions.

(4) Where a designation is made or withdrawn the street authority may give such directions as it considers appropriate with respect to works in progress in the street when the designation comes into force or ceases to have effect.

(5) Any dispute between the street authority and an undertaker as to the exercise by the authority of its powers under paragraph (2), (3) or (4) shall be settled by arbitration.

Section 23 Streets with special engineering difficulties

(1) The provisions of Schedule 2 have effect for requiring the settlement of a plan and section of street works to be executed in a street designated by the street authority as having special engineering difficulties.

(2) The Department may prescribe—

(a) the criteria for designating a street as having special engineering difficulties,

(b) the procedure for making or withdrawing such a designation, and

(c) the information to be made available by the street authority as to the streets for the time being so designated by it.

(3) Where the Department is asked to designate a road as having special engineering difficulties—

(a) by a transport authority on the ground of the proximity of the road to a structure belonging to, or under the management or control of, the authority, or

(b) by an undertaker having apparatus in the road,

and the Department proposes to decline to do so, it shall serve notice of that proposal on the transport authority or undertaker concerned.

(4) If within 21 days of receiving notice of the Department's proposal under paragraph (3) the transport authority or undertaker so requests in writing, the Department shall afford the authority or undertaker an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by the planning appeals commission.

(5) There shall be payable in respect of a hearing under paragraph (4) such fee as may be prescribed.

(6) Where a hearing is held under paragraph (4)—

(a) the Department shall, in determining whether to designate a road as having special engineering difficulties, take into account the report of the planning appeals commission; and

(b) the decision of the Department shall be final.

(7) The designation of a street as having special engineering difficulties shall not be withdrawn except after consultation with any transport authority or undertaker at whose request the designation was made.

Section 24 Traffic-sensitive streets

(1) Regulations made for the purposes of Article 14, 15 or 17 (notices required to be given in respect of street works) may make special provision in relation to street works in a street designated by the street authority as traffic-sensitive.

(2) The Department may prescribe—

(a) the criteria for designating a street as traffic-sensitive,

(b) the procedure for making or withdrawing such a designation, and

(c) the information to be made available by the street authority as to the streets for the time being so designated by it.

(3) If it appears to the street authority that the prescribed criteria are met only at certain times or on certain dates, a limited designation may be made accordingly.

In such a case the reference in paragraph (1) to the execution of works in a street designated as traffic-sensitive shall be construed as a reference to works so executed at those times or on those dates.

Section 25 Safety measures

(1) An undertaker executing street works shall secure—

(a) that any part of the street which is broken up or open, or is obstructed by plant or materials used or deposited in connection with the works, is adequately guarded and lit, and

(b) that such traffic signs are placed and maintained, and where necessary operated, as are reasonably required for the guidance or direction of persons using the street,

having regard, in particular, to the needs of people with a disability.

(2) In discharging in relation to a road his duty with respect to the placing, maintenance or operation of traffic signs, an undertaker shall comply, with any directions given by the Department.

(3) The Department may issue or approve for the purposes of this Article codes of practice giving practical guidance as to the matters mentioned in paragraph (1); and—

(a) so far as an undertaker complies with such a code of practice he shall be taken to comply with that paragraph; and

(b) a failure in any respect to comply with any such code is evidence of failure in that respect to comply with that paragraph.

(4) An undertaker who fails to comply with paragraph (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(5) If it appears to the street authority that an undertaker has failed to comply with paragraph (1) or (2), the street authority may take such steps as appear to it necessary and may recover from the undertaker the costs reasonably incurred by it in doing so.

(6) If a person without lawful authority or excuse—

(a) takes down, alters or removes any fence, barrier, traffic sign or light erected or placed in pursuance of paragraph (1) or (2), or

(b) extinguishes a light so placed,

he commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Section 26 Avoidance of unnecessary delay or obstruction

(1) An undertaker executing street works which involve—

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

(b) tunnelling or boring under the street,

shall carry on and complete the works with all such dispatch as is reasonably practicable.

(2) An undertaker who fails to do so commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(3) Where an undertaker executing any street works creates an obstruction in a street to a greater extent or for a longer period than is reasonably necessary, the street authority may by notice require him to take such reasonable steps as are specified in the notice to mitigate or discontinue the obstruction.

(4) If the undertaker fails to comply with such a notice within 24 hours of receiving it, or any longer period specified in the notice, the street authority may take the necessary steps and recover from him the costs reasonably incurred by it in doing so.

Section 27 Qualifications of supervisors and operatives

(1) It is the duty of an undertaker executing street works involving—

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

(b) tunnelling or boring under the street

to secure that, except in such cases as may be prescribed, the execution of the works is supervised by a person having a prescribed qualification as a supervisor.

(2) It is the duty of an undertaker executing streets 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,

to secure that, except in such cases as many be prescribed, there is on site at all times when any such works are in progress at least one person having a prescribed qualification as a trained operative.

(3) an undertaker who fails to comply with his duty under paragraph (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(4) Regulations made by the Department for the purposes of this Article may include provision with respect to—

(a) the approval of bodies conferring qualifications (and the withdrawal of such approval), and

(b) the circumstances in which a qualification may be conferred.

Section 28 Facilities to be afforded to street authority

(1) An undertaker executing street works shall afford the street authority reasonable facilities for ascertaining whether he is complying with his duties under this Order.

(2) An undertaker who fails to afford the street authority such facilities commits an offence in respect of each failure and is liable on summary conviction to a fine note exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

Section 29 Works likely to affect other apparatus in the street

(1) Where street works are likely to affect another person's apparatus in the street, the undertaker executing the works shall take all reasonably practicable steps—

(a) to give the person to whom the apparatus belongs reasonable facilities for monitoring the execution of the works, and

(b) to comply with any requirement made by him which is reasonably necessary for the protection of the apparatus or for securing access to it.

(2) An undertaker who fails to comply with paragraph (1) commits an offence in respect of each failure and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(3) In proceedings against a person for such an offence it is a defence for him to show that the failure was attributable—

(a) to his not knowing the position, or not knowing of the existence, of another person's apparatus, or

(b) to his not knowing the identity or address of the person to whom any apparatus belongs,

and that his ignorance was not due to any negligence on his part or to any failure to make inquiries which he ought reasonably to have made.

Section 30 Duty of undertaker to reinstate

(1) It is the duty of the undertaker by whom street works are executed to reinstate the street.

(2) He shall begin the reinstatement as soon after the completion of any part of the street works as is reasonably practicable and shall carry on and complete the reinstatement with all such dispatch as is reasonably practicable.

(3) He shall before the end of the next working day after the day on which the reinstatement is completed inform the street authority that he has completed the reinstatement of the street, stating whether the reinstatement is permanent or interim.

(4) If it is interim, he shall complete the permanent reinstatement of the street as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 6 months (or such other period as may be prescribed) from the date on which the interim reinstatement was completed; and he shall notify the street authority when he has done so.

(5) The permanent reinstatement of the street shall include, in particular, the reinstatement of features designed to assist people with a disability.

(6) An undertaker who fails to comply with any provision of this Article commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction

(a) in the case of an offence consisting of a failure to comply with paragraph (3) or (4A), to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale; and

(b) in any other case, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on that scale.

7 In proceedings against a person for an offence of failing to comply with paragraph (2) it is a defence for him to show that any delay in reinstating the street was in order to avoid hindering the execution of other works, or other parts of the same works, to be undertaker immediately or shortly thereafter.

Section 31 Materials, workmanship and standard of reinstatement

(1) An undertaker executing street works shall in reinstating the street comply with such requirements as may be prescribed as to the specification of materials to be used and the standards of workmanship to be observed.

(2) He shall also ensure that the reinstatement conforms to such performance standards as may be prescribed—

(a) in the case of interim reinstatement, until permanent reinstatement is effected, and

(b) in the case of permanent reinstatement, for the prescribed period after the completion of the reinstatement.

This obligation is extended in certain cases and restricted in others by the provisions of Article 33 as to cases where a reinstatement is affected by subsequent works.

(3) The Department may issue or approve for the purposes of this Article codes of practice giving practical guidance as to the matters mentioned in paragraphs (1) and (2); and regulations made for the purposes of this Article may provide that—

(a) so far as an undertaker complies with such a code of practice he shall be taken to comply with his duties under this Article, and

(b) a failure in any respect to comply with any such code is evidence of failure in that respect to comply with those duties.

(4) An undertaker who fails to comply with his duties under this Article commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Section 32 Powers of street authority in relation to reinstatement

(1) The street authority may carry out such investigatory works as appear to it to be necessary to ascertain whether an undertaker has complied with his duties under this Order with respect to reinstatement.

If such a failure is disclosed, the undertaker shall bear the cost of the investigatory works; if not, the street authority shall bear the cost of the investigatory works and of any necessary reinstatement.

(2) Where an undertaker has failed to comply with his duties under this Order with respect to reinstatement, he shall bear the cost of—

(a) a joint inspection with the street authority to determine the nature of the failure and what remedial works need to be undertaken,

(b) an inspection by the authority of the remedial works in progress, and

(c) an inspection by the authority when the remedial works have been completed.

(3) The street authority may by notice require an undertaker who has failed to comply with his duties under this Order with respect to reinstatement to carry out the necessary remedial works within such period of not less than 7 working days as may be specified in the notice.

If he fails to comply with the notice, the authority may carry out the necessary works and recover from him the cost reasonably incurred by it in doing so.

(4) If it appears to the street authority that a failure by an undertaker to comply with his duties under this Order as to reinstatement is causing danger to users of the street, the authority may carry out the necessary works without first giving notice and may recover from him the costs reasonably incurred by it in doing so.

The authority shall, however, give notice to him as soon as reasonably practicable stating its reasons for taking immediate action.

Section 33 Reinstatement affected by subsequent works

(1) The provisions of this Article apply in relation to an undertaker's duty under Article 31(2) to ensure that a reinstatement conforms to the prescribed performance standards for the requisite period; and references to responsibility for a reinstatement and to the period of that responsibility shall be construed accordingly.

(2) Where a reinstatement is affected by remedial works executed by the undertaker in order to comply with his duties under this Order with respect to reinstatement and the extent of the works exceeds that prescribed, the subsequent reinstatement shall be treated as a new reinstatement as regards the period of his responsibility.

(3) Where the street authority carries out investigatory works in pursuance of Article 32(1) and the investigation does not disclose any failure by the undertaker to comply with his duties under this Order with respect to reinstatement, then, to the extent that the original reinstatement has been disturbed by the investigatory works, the responsibility of the undertaker for the reinstatement shall cease.

(4) Where a reinstatement is affected by remedial works executed by the street authority in exercise of its powers under Article 32(3) or (4) (powers to act in default of undertaker)—

(a) the undertaker is responsible for the subsequent reinstatement carried out by the authority, and

(b) if the extent of the works exceeds that prescribed, the subsequent reinstatement shall be treated as a new reinstatement as regards the period of his responsibility.

(5) The following provisions apply where a reinstatement is affected by subsequent works in the street otherwise than as mentioned above.

(6) If the reinstatement is dug out to any extent in the course of the subsequent works, the responsibility of the undertaker for the reinstatement shall cease to that extent.

(7) If in any other case the reinstatement ceases to conform to the prescribed performance standards by reason of the subsequent works, the responsibility of the undertaker for the reinstatement is transferred to the person executing the subsequent works; and the provisions of this Order apply in relation to him as they would have applied in relation to the undertaker.

(8) Where there are successive subsequent works affecting a reinstatement, then as between earlier and later works—

(a) paragraphs (6) and (7) apply in relation to the cessation or transfer of the responsibility of the person for the time being responsible for the reinstatement; and

(b) if the reinstatement ceases to conform to the prescribed performance standards by reason of the works or any of them, it shall be presumed until the contrary is proved that this was caused by the later or last of the works.

Section 33A Power to require undertaker to re-surface street

(1) In prescribed circumstances, the street authority for a street may by notice (a “re-surfacing notice”) require an undertaker within paragraph (2) to execute such re-surfacing works in the street as may be specified in the notice.

(2) An undertaker is within this paragraph if—

(a) he has given notice under Article 14 or 15 of, or made a notification under paragraph 2(1)(d) of Schedule 1A in respect of, proposed street works,

(b) he is executing street works, or

(c) he has, within such period ending with the giving of the notice as may be prescribed (or if no period is prescribed, at any time), executed street works,

and the works will involve, involve or (as the case may be) involved the breaking up of any part of the street.

(3) The works specified in the re-surfacing notice may relate to any part of the street (including any part not, and not to be, broken up by the undertaker); but regulations may restrict the extent of the works that may be so specified.

(4) The re-surfacing notice relieves the undertaker to the extent (if any) specified in the notice of his duty under Article 30 to reinstate the surface of the street; but regulations may restrict the circumstances in which and the extent to which undertakers may be relieved of that duty.

(5) The street authority may by notice to the undertaker vary or withdraw a re-surfacing notice; but regulations may restrict the circumstances in which notices may be varied or withdrawn.

(6) A street authority may give a re-surfacing notice notwithstanding that the authority (in any capacity) is under a duty to undertake any of the works specified in the notice.

(7) In this Order—

“ re-surfacing notice ” has the meaning given by paragraph (1);

“ re-surfacing works ” means any works relating to the replacement of the surface of any part of a street;

“ surface ” includes a paved surface.

(8) The reference in paragraph (2)(c) to the execution of street works is a reference to the execution of such works after the commencement of this Article (whether or not regulations under it have been made).

Section 33B Power to specify timing etc. of re-surfacing

(1) A re-surfacing notice may require an undertaker to—

(a) execute the works specified in the notice in stages so specified;

(b) begin the execution of those works (or any stage of them) at or by a date and time so specified;

(c) execute those works (or any stage of them) at times or on days (or at times on days) so specified;

(d) complete the execution of those works (or any stage of them) by a date and time so specified.

(2) The Department may by regulations make provision restricting, in some or all cases, the power of street authorities to include requirements within paragraph (1), including provision that—

(a) requires street authorities to consult an undertaker before a prescribed description of requirement is included in a notice;

(b) provides that any date specified in a notice for the beginning, execution or completion of works shall not be earlier than a prescribed period from the date on which the notice is given.

Section 33C Materials, workmanship and standard of re-surfacing

(1) An undertaker who has been given a re-surfacing notice shall, when executing the works specified in the notice, comply with such requirements as may be prescribed as to the specification of materials to be used and the standards of workmanship to be observed.

(2) He shall also ensure that the new surface conforms to such performance standards as may be prescribed, for the prescribed period after completion of the works.

Section 33D Re-surfacing: regulations

(1) The Department may make regulations supplementing Articles 33A to 33C.

(2) The regulations may in particular—

(a) make provision about the information to be contained in a re-surfacing notice (including the way in which re-surfacing works are to be described);

(b) prescribe, for cases where a re-surfacing notice may be given to more than one undertaker, the matters that a street authority shall take into account when selecting the undertaker to whom the notice is to be given;

(c) impose a requirement on an undertaker, in prescribed circumstances, to give notice to the street authority of a prescribed event;

(d) prescribe circumstances in which an undertaker may elect to make a payment to the street authority instead of executing the works specified in a re-surfacing notice, and make provision about the calculation of the amount of such payments;

(e) confer a right of review or a right of appeal to the planning appeals commission against a re-surfacing notice or any requirement contained in it, and may make provision about the period within which and manner in which any such right may be exercised and about the determination of appeals;

(f) require disputes of a prescribed description (including disputes as to the existence of circumstances prescribed under Article 33A(1)) to be determined in such manner and by such persons as may be prescribed;

(g) apply any provisions of this Order or the Roads Order, with or without modifications, in relation to works specified in a re-surfacing notice (and provide that for those purposes the works are to be treated as street works or works of any other description).

(3) The regulations may provide that where a re-surfacing notice has been served on an undertaker, the street authority may (in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed) by notice relieve any other undertaker within Article 33A(2) of his duty under Article 30 to reinstate the surface of the street.

(4) The regulations may create in respect of any breach of a requirement imposed by a re-surfacing notice or of the duty imposed by Article 33C, or any contravention of the regulations, an offence punishable on summary conviction—

(a) where the offence consists of a failure to give a notice in accordance with the regulations, with a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale;

(b) in any other case, with a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(5) The first regulations under this Article or any of Articles 33A to 33C shall not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.

Section 33E Re-surfacing: guidance

(1) The Department may, for the purposes of Articles 33A to 33D (including regulations under those Articles), issue or approve a code of practice giving practical guidance as to the exercise of powers and the discharge of duties under those Articles.

(2) In exercising those powers and in discharging those duties, street authorities and undertakers shall have regard to the code of practice.

Section 33F Guidance about street authority inspections

(1) The Department may issue or approve guidance to street authorities about any matter relating to the exercise by them of any power to carry out inspections of street works.

(2) In exercising their powers to carry out such inspections street authorities shall have regard to any guidance issued or approved under this Article.

(3) In this Article any reference to inspections includes the carrying out of investigatory works.

Section 34 Charge for occupation of the road where works unreasonably prolonged

(1) The Department may make provision by regulations requiring an undertaker executing street works in a road to pay a charge to the Department where—

(a) the duration of the works exceeds such period as may be prescribed, and

(b) the works are not completed within a reasonable period.

(2) For this purpose “a reasonable period” means such period as is agreed by the Department and the undertaker to be reasonable or, in default of such agreement, is determined by arbitration to be reasonable, for completion of the works in question.

In default of agreement, the Department's view as to what is a reasonable period shall be acted upon pending the decision of the arbitrator.

(3) The regulations may provide that if an undertaker has reason to believe that the duration of works will exceed the prescribed period he may submit to the Department an estimate of their likely duration—

(a) in the case of other works in connection with the initial placing of apparatus in the street in pursuance of a street works licence, together with his application for the licence,

(b) in the case of other works (not being emergency works), together with his notice under Article 15 (notice of starting date), or

(c) in the case of emergency works, as soon as reasonably practicable after the works are begun,

and that the period stated in an estimate so submitted shall be taken to be agreed by the Department to be reasonable unless the Department gives notice, in such manner and within such period as may be prescribed, objecting to the estimate.

(4) The regulations may also provide that if it appears to the undertaker that by reason of matters not previously foreseen or reasonably foreseeable the duration of the works—

(a) is likely to exceed the prescribed period,

(b) is likely to exceed the period stated in his previous estimate, or

(c) is likely to exceed the period previously agreed or determined to be a reasonable period,

he may submit an estimate or revised estimate accordingly, and that if he does so any previous estimate, agreement or determination shall cease to have effect and the period stated in the new estimate shall be taken to be agreed by the Department to be reasonable unless the Department gives notice, in such manner and within such previous as may be prescribed, objecting to the estimate.

(5) The amount of the charge shall be determined in such manner as may be prescribed by reference to the time taken to complete the works and the extent to which the surface of the road is affected by the works.

(6) The regulations may make provision as to the time and manner of making payment of any charge.

(7) The regulations shall provide that the Department may reduce the amount, or waive payment, of a charge in any particular case, in such classes of case as the Department may decide or as may be prescribed, or generally.

(8) The first regulations for the purposes of this Article shall not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.

Section 34A Charge determined by reference to duration of works

(1) The Department may make provision by regulations requiring an undertaker executing street works in a road to pay to the Department a charge determined, in the prescribed manner, by reference to the duration of the works.

(2) The regulations may prescribe exemptions from the requirement to pay charges.

(3) The regulations may prescribe different rates of charge according to—

(a) the extent to which the surface of the road is affected by the works,

(b) the place and time at which the works are executed, and

(c) such other factors as appear to the Department to be relevant.

(4) The regulations may—

(a) prescribe more than one rate of charge in respect of the same description of works, and

(b) provide that charges are to be paid in respect of any works of that description at the rate which appears to the Department to be appropriate in relation to those works.

(5) The regulations—

(a) may make provision for the determination of the duration of works for the purposes of the regulations; and

(b) in particular, make provision for works to be treated as beginning or ending on the giving of, or as stated in, a notice given by the undertaker to the Department, in the prescribed manner, in accordance with a requirement imposed by the regulations.

(6) The regulations may make provision as to the time and manner of making payment of charges.

(7) The regulations shall provide that the Department may reduce the amount, or waive payment, of a charge—

(a) in any particular case,

(b) in such classes of case as it may decide or as may be prescribed, or

(c) in all cases or in all cases other than a particular case or such class of case as it may decide or as may be prescribed.

(8) The regulations may create in respect of any failure to give a notice required by the regulations a criminal offence triable summarily and punishable with a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(9) The regulations may require disputes of any prescribed description to be referred to an arbitrator appointed in accordance with the regulations.

(10) The first regulations under this Article shall not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.

(11) Nothing shall be taken to prevent the imposition of charges by both regulations under Article 34 and regulations under this Article in respect of the execution of the same works at the same time.

Section 35 Inspection of fees

(1) An undertaker executing street works shall, subject to the provisions of any scheme under this Article, pay to the street authority the prescribed fee in respect of each inspection of the works carried out by the authority.

(2) The Department may by regulations make a scheme under which undertakers pay the prescribed fee only in respect of such proportion or number of excavations or other works as may be determined in accordance with the scheme.

(3) The scheme may make provision—

(a) as to the periods and areas by reference to which the proportion or number is to be determined, and

(b) as to the intervals at which an account is to be struck between an undertaker and the street authority and any necessary payment or repayment made.

(4) Nothing in this Article applies in relation to inspections in respect of which the undertaker is obliged to bear the cost under Article 32(2) (inspection consequent on his failure to comply with his duties as to reinstatement).

Section 36 Liability for cost of temporary traffic regulation

(1) Where, by reason of street works, restrictions or prohibitions are imposed under Article 7 of the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997

(a) by the Department on the use of any road, or

(b) by a concessionaire by virtue of Article 25(4) of the Roads Order, on the use of any road subject to a concession,

the Department or concessionaire may recover from the undertaker the whole of the costs incurred by the Department or concessionaire, as the case may be, in connection with or in consequence of the imposition of such restrictions or prohibitions.

(2) Those costs shall be taken to include, in particular, the cost to the Department or concessionaire—

(a) of complying with any requirement to notify the public of any matter in connection with such restrictions or prohibitions, and

(b) of providing traffic signs in connection with such restrictions or prohibitions.

(3) In this Article and Article 38 “concessionaire” and “road subject to a concession” have the same meaning as in Part III of the Roads Order.

Section 37 Liability for cost of use of alternative route

(1) Where by reason of street works the use of a road is restricted or prohibited and the diverted traffic uses as an alternative route a road of a lower classification, the undertaker shall indemnify the Department in respect of costs reasonably incurred by the Department—

(a) in strengthening the road, so far as that is done with a view to and is necessary for the purposes of its use by the diverted traffic; or

(b) in making good any damage to the road occurring in consequence of the use by it of the diverted traffic.

(2) For this purpose the order of classification of roads, from higher to lower, is as follows:

(1) Trunk roads.

(2) First-class roads.

(3) Second-class roads.

(4) Third-class roads.

(5) Other roads.

(3) Expressions used in paragraph (2) have the same meaning as in the Roads Order.

Section 38 Contributions to costs of making good long-term damage

(1) The Department may make provision by regulations requiring an undertaker executing street works to contribute to the costs incurred or likely to be incurred by the street authority or, in the case of a road subject to a concession, by the concessionaire, in works of reconstruction or re-surfacing of the street.

(2) The regulations may provide—

(a) for a contribution to the cost of particular remedial works, or

(b) for a general contribution calculated in such manner as may be prescribed.

(3) In the former case the regulations may contain provision for apportioning the liability where the need for the remedial works is attributable to works executed by more than one person.

(4) In the latter case the regulations may provide for the amount of the contribution to vary according to the nature of the street, the description and extent of the works and such other factors as appear to the Department to be relevant.

(5) The first regulations under this Article shall not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by resolution of the Assembly.

Section 38A Contributions to costs of re-surfacing by undertaker

(1) Where a street authority has given a re-surfacing notice to an undertaker (A)—

(a) the authority shall pay to A a proportion, calculated in the prescribed manner, of the costs reasonably incurred by A in executing the works specified in the notice;

(b) an undertaker to whom paragraph (2) applies shall pay to A a proportion, calculated in the prescribed manner, of those costs.

(2) This paragraph applies to an undertaker if—

(a) he has, after the commencement of this Article (whether or not regulations under it have been made) and before the completion of the works specified in the notice, executed street works which involved the breaking up of any part of a street, and

(b) the works specified in the notice include the re-surfacing of that part of the street.

(3) The Department may by regulations prescribe exceptions to the duty imposed by paragraph (1)(b).

(4) The payments referred to in paragraph (1) shall be made in such instalments and manner, and within such period of such event, as may be prescribed.

(5) The Department may by regulations make provision—

(a) requiring a street authority, within such period of such event as may be prescribed, to give to an undertaker to whom paragraph (2) applies a notice containing such information as may be prescribed;

(b) requiring a street authority to pay to an undertaker to whom it has given a re-surfacing notice such sum as he has been unable to recover under paragraph (1)(b) on account of the insolvency of an undertaker;

(c) requiring disputes of a prescribed description (including disputes as to whether paragraph (2) applies to an undertaker) to be determined in such manner and by such persons as may be prescribed.

(6) For the purposes of this Article, any costs incurred by an undertaker (including any costs of a street authority which are borne by the undertaker) in consequence of a failure by the undertaker to comply with any duty under this Order shall be treated as having been incurred unreasonably.

(7) The Department may by regulations make provision requiring undertakers to make payments to a street authority where—

(a) the authority has given a re-surfacing notice to an undertaker,

(b) that undertaker has exercised a right, conferred by regulations under Article 33D, of the sort mentioned in paragraph (2)(d) of that Article, and

(c) the authority has carried out any of the works specified in the notice.

(8) The power in paragraph (7) includes power to make provision corresponding to provision that may be made under paragraphs (1) to (5).

(9) The first regulations under this Article shall not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.

(10) In paragraph (5)(b) “insolvency”—

(a) in relation to a company, has the meaning given by Article 6(1) of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 ( NI 19);

(b) in relation to an individual, includes the approval of a voluntary arrangement under Part VIII of that Order.