Ministers Dismiss MPs’ Push for Tighter Rules on Utility Street Works

A clash has emerged between MPs and the Department for Transport (DfT) after the government rejected calls for tougher measures to curb the disruption caused by utility companies digging up roads.

The Transport Select Committee, chaired by Ruth Cadbury, recently investigated the impact of street works—projects where firms lay or repair cables and pipes for services such as broadband, gas, water, and electricity. Unlike routine road maintenance, these works are often carried out by private operators with legal powers to excavate. Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 2.2 million street and road works took place across England, spread across over 200 organisations.

The Committee’s Concerns

The committee’s June 2025 report argued that poorly managed street works are not just an inconvenience for motorists. MPs concluded they contribute to congestion, harm local businesses by reducing footfall, disrupt public transport, and shorten the lifespan of roads and pavements—leaving councils with higher maintenance costs and, in some cases, more hazardous streets.

Recommendations Brushed Aside

Among its proposals were:

• giving local authorities more scope to levy charges through lane rental schemes,

• holding companies accountable for the quality of reinstated roads,

• setting time limits for repairing faults after works,

• creating a dedicated Street Works Commissioner, and

• tightening up emergency permits while ensuring better access for pedestrians and cyclists during works.

  
  

However, the DfT declined to adopt these changes, maintaining that councils already possess adequate regulatory tools.

Frustration from MPs

Cadbury condemned the decision, saying ministers had failed to recognise the daily frustration experienced by communities.

“People across the country know what it’s like to be stuck in endless queues or navigate unsafe pavements because of badly managed street works. Our proposals were about accountability and common sense. By rejecting them, the government is letting road users down,” she said.

The standoff raises fresh questions about whether the balance between infrastructure upgrades and public convenience is being managed effectively—or if utility firms continue to enjoy too much freedom at the expense of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.