A consultation on the Street Works Safety Code is open until 14 December 2026, proposing changes that affect how utilities, highway authorities and contractors manage works on public roads.
Limits on pedestrian routes
The draft update focuses on pedestrian access through and around street works. It proposes capping one-metre-wide pedestrian routes at a maximum length of six metres.
Greater emphasis is placed on continuous temporary walkways, with guidance on appropriate ramp gradients and the use of barriers separating pedestrians from live traffic. The intention is to enhance safety and reduce disruption for people on foot.
Keeping cycle routes safe and direct
For cyclists, the draft encourages maintaining access on original routes wherever possible. It argues against narrow lane widths that might allow unsafe overtaking during works. This aims to provide clearer, safer pathways for cyclists affected by roadworks.
Clarifying closures and short-term work
The consultation introduces new definitions for “hard” and “soft” road closures, making clearer distinctions between full closures and more flexible or temporary restrictions.
It expands guidance on mobile and short-duration work activities, as well as works located near level crossings and tramways, reflecting the varied challenges these sites present.
Adjusting sign reuse rules
Currently, temporary road obstruction signs cannot be reused until one hour has passed. The draft proposes relaxing this to allow reuse once traffic queues have cleared and flow has normalised. This shifts focus from fixed time periods to real-time traffic conditions.
Where this fits in UK roadwork practice
The Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice serves as statutory guidance for works managed by highway authorities, utilities and contractors across the UK, excluding motorways and high-speed dual carriageways.
It defines how sites should be signed, lit and guarded, ensuring safe routing for pedestrians and cyclists. The proposed changes reflect evolving priorities for temporary access and road space management, which have recently featured in local schemes such as traffic management adjustments on Dartmouth Road in Torbay.
What this means for road workers and local authorities
The consultation asks councils, utilities, contractors and road users to assess whether the draft guidance is clear, practical and effective. For those planning and managing roadworks, the proposed code directly affects how sites are set out and how road users navigate through or around them.
Responses can be submitted through GOV.UK until 14 December 2026, where the draft code and consultation questions are available.
