Undertakers carrying out street works in England must carry out their works safely and having particular regard to the needs of people with disabilities, as set out in section 65 of the New Roads and Street Works Act.

• New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

Code of practice

Undertakers must comply with the Safety at street works and road works code of practice (also known as the red book). The code can also be bought in book form – ISBN 011551958-0.

• Safety at street works and road works: a code of practice (PDF – 2300KB)

At present, the Code has statutory force only in relation to those carrying out works on behalf of undertakers, not highway authorities, however many authorities expect their staff/contractors to comply with it.

Consultation

During 2010, the Department consulted on a revision of the safety at street works and road works code of practice, and is currently considering how to proceed in light of the consultation responses.

• Amendment to the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice Consultation

Non-statutory guidance on safety at street works

• Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual

Further information

• Street works FAQs