56APower to give directions as to placing of apparatus

1

Where—

a

an undertaker is proposing to execute street works consisting of the placing of apparatus in a street (“street A”),

b

placing the apparatus in street A is likely to cause disruption to traffic, and

c

it appears to the street authority that—

i

there is another street (“street B”) in which the apparatus could be placed, and

ii

the conditions in subsection (2) are satisfied,

the authority may by direction require the undertaker not to place the apparatus in street A (but may not require him to place the apparatus in street B).

2

The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(c) are that—

a

disruption to traffic would be avoided or reduced if the apparatus were to be placed in street B;

b

placing the apparatus in street B would be a reasonable way of achieving the purpose for which the apparatus is to be placed; and

c

it is reasonable to require the undertaker not to place the apparatus in street A.

3

A direction under this section may be varied or revoked by a further such direction.

4

The procedure for giving a direction under this section shall be prescribed by the Secretary of State.

5

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for appeals against directions under this section, including provision as to the persons who may determine appeals and the procedure to be followed on an appeal.

6

An undertaker who executes works in contravention of a direction under this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

7

An undertaker shall be taken not to have failed to fulfil any statutory duty to afford a supply or service if, or to the extent that, his failure is attributable to a direction under this section.

8

The Secretary of State may issue or approve for the purposes of this section a code of practice giving practical guidance as to the exercise by street authorities of the power conferred by this section; and in exercising that power a street authority shall have regard to the code of practice.