To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether his Department charges utility companies for operating on roads during peak times; and if not, would he consider imposing a charge.

My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it does not charge utility companies for operating on roads during peak times and, at present, there are no plans to introduce such charges.

Pilot schemes were carried out in England between 2002 and 2004. However, I understand that they did not prove to be an effective model for reducing congestion and other disruption caused by utility company street works.

Roads Service endeavours to prevent works taking place during peak times on roads which have been designated as traffic sensitive. Where such work is unavoidable, Roads Service works with utility companies to ensure that the duration and impact of these works is kept to a minimum.