Statutory undertakers

Statutory undertakers are organisations licensed by the government to dig holes in the roads, verges, footways (pavements) under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. They include all utilities electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable telephone and television and other telecommunication companies. All works must be carried out by qualified people, who hold a New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 certificate.

Regulation

We monitor a certain percentage of the activities of statutory undertakers by inspecting the works at various stages of construction. They are regulated by codes of practice which cover the following:

• Reinstatement of openings in highways
• Co-ordination of street works and works for road purposes and related matters
• Measures necessary where equipment is affected by major works
• Works Inspections

Transport for Buckinghamshire can give advice to parish councils as to whether certain companies/works are within the codes of practice.

Inspections are paid for by the Statutory Undertakers

Communication

There are quarterly co-ordination meetings between Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) and the statutory undertakers. We must be given notice (of various lengths of time depending on the size of the job and the location) every time any work is to be undertaken.

Problem solving

There is a two year guarantee period on works carried out. If the area office receives a complaint about the standard of the work/re-instatement within this period, additional checks will be made and the company concerned can be required to put it right. The guarantee period then begins again.

Courtesy boards

Most statutory undertakers display courtesy boards on sites where they are working. These boards display contact names and emergency telephone numbers for making contact.

Defects can also be reported to Transport for Buckinghamshire on 0845 2302882.