Managing public utilities
New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) 1991
It is ESCC’s duty as the Street authority to coordinate all works undertaken on the public highway in the interests of safety, to protect the structure and integrity of the street and to minimise inconvenience to persons using the street (in particular to the needs of people with a disability)
Under the New Roads & Street Works Act (NRSWA), Statutory Undertakers (utility companies) have a right to place, repair and maintain their apparatus within the public highway and also have a duty to cooperate with the street authority (ESCC).
Traffic Management Act (TMA) 2004
It is ESCC’s duty to manage their road network to secure the expeditious movement of traffic and minimise traffic congestion and also to facilitate the expeditious movement of traffic on another authorities network.
- East Sussex Highways coordinate all work activities undertaken on the public Highway on behalf of ESCC.
- Prior to undertaking works on the public Highway, both Statutory undertakers (Utility companies) and ESCC must apply for a permit to carry out the works.
- Permit applications are reviewed to ensure there are no clashes with other planned works and to identify opportunities for collaboration before works durations and timings are agreed.