New Roads & Street Works Act 1991

The purpose of this publication is:

1. To set a framework for handling defects by means of a procedure for notification and remedial progress; and
2. To ensure that the street authority and undertaker are aware of their responsibilities with regard to defect resolution

2.1 General

1. All defects will be notified using a standard format agreed by each Sub-Regional HAUC.

Note: The standard format agreed must contain as a minimum the information included in Appendix 1

2. Where possible the Defect Notification and Progress Report sheets will be combined.
3. The time scales for handling defects are set out below.

2.2 Notification

1. The Authority will notify the undertaker by fax of the defect using the agreed DN format.
2. On receipt of the DN the undertaker will contact the authority to arrange a joint site meeting. Within two hours for a dangerous defect, and seven days for a non-dangerous defect.

Note: Failure to respond to this notice as specified will lead to the fee being claimed.

2.3 Joint Site Meeting

1. At the JSM or within one working day of the defect being accepted, the undertaker must inform the authority of the date and time that remedial works will commence.

Note: Where the undertaker requests not to attend the JSM the fee will be claimed.

2.4 Remedial Works

1. All remedial works must be properly notified as prescribed under the Act
2. All remedial works must be completed within fourteen working days of the defect being accepted unless extended by mutual agreement.

Note: Where an undertaker fails to carry out the works on the specified date and the authority's remedial inspection is abortive, the fee will be claimed.

2.5 Final Inspection

1. The authority will normally carry out the final inspection of remedial works within seven working days of being notified of their completion.

3.1 Local Arrangements

1. It is accepted that each authority determines its own invoicing policy. The authority must therefore seek a suitable arrangement with the undertaker that falls within the guidance given in the HAUC Code of Practice for Inspections

Click Here for Appendix 1