6.The Order introduces a number of new measures including:
a permit scheme to control specified street works in specified streets. Utilities will be required to pay for and obtain permits to carry out certain street works. Conditions may be attached to permits in order to minimise disruption;
direction-making powers to enable the Department to direct utilities as to the dates and times at which they may or may not carry out street works, and may require utilities not to use particular streets for their works;
the Department will be able to require utilities to resurface entire lane widths or to contribute to the street authority’s costs in carrying out this work;
a restriction on the execution of street works for a prescribed period following completion of substantial street works;
increases in maximum levels of fines for certain street works offences will increase from level three on the standard scale to level four. For the more serious offences this will increase to level five. A Fixed Penalty Noticing system will also be introduced;
lane rental/overrun charging – the Department will be empowered to charge utilities for the entire duration of their occupation of a road, and also to charge for overrunning an agreed period of occupation; and
Codes of Practice – the existing Records and Inspection Codes of Practice will be modified and placed on a statutory footing.