Statutory guidance

Co-ordinating street works

Code of practice for local authorities who have a duty to co-ordinate works in the highway, and for undertakers on how to co-operate in the process.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 19 August 2009
• Last updated: 17 December 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Code of practice for the co-ordination of street works and works for road purposes and related matters: December 2025

PDF, 1.28 MB, 117 pages

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Details

This code of practice provides practical guidance on the responsibilities of authorities and undertakers under the New Roads and Street Works Act (1991) (NRSWA).

It applies from 5 January 2026 and helps:

• local authorities to co-ordinate works in the highway under section 59 of NRSWA
• undertakers to fulfil their duty to co-operate in this process under section 60 of NRSWA

It reflects the Street and Road Work Charges and Penalties Regulations 2025, which:

• increased the level of fixed penalty notices for street works offences
• extended overrun charges to weekends and bank holidays where works extend beyond the agreed duration

Published 19 August 2009

Last updated 17 December 2025 + show all updates

1. 17 December 2025

   Changes to fixed penalty notice rates and when overrun charges apply.

2. 31 March 2023

   Updated to reflect the fifth edition of the code, April 2023.

3. 7 January 2013

   Updated to feature 4th edition of code of practice.

4. 19 August 2009

   First published.