Utility contractors in Hertfordshire regularly begin work at 8am despite permits only allowing starts from 9am. Repeated digs on the same roads and the quality of reinstatement continue to frustrate residents.
The county council is convening a summit to address these issues with all 12 Hertfordshire MPs, representatives from every political group, and three major utilities: Affinity Water, Cadent Gas, and UK Power Networks.
Invited parties set to discuss permits and disruptions
The summit will gather key stakeholders to discuss concerns about the timing and coordination of utility roadworks. Although the date has not been fixed, the event aims to examine how to better manage works on public roads while reducing the disruption caused to motorists and residents.
The UK law grants utility companies the statutory right to dig roads for installation and maintenance of services such as water, gas, electricity, sewerage, and telecoms. Councils cannot revoke these rights but manage when and how works happen via a permit system.
Early starts and repeated digs
Concerns in Hertfordshire focus on contractors starting works from 8am when their permits specify a 9am start. One topic for discussion is whether an extended working hour on one day could prevent the need to return for further works later.
Repeated excavations on the same stretch of carriageway by different utilities are also causing extended disruption. The summit may explore ways to better coordinate works between contractors to avoid this.
Quality of reinstatement and public communication
Residents have also raised issues about the quality of road and footpath reinstatement after digging. Another point for discussion is why barriers remain in place when no visible work is ongoing and how residents can be better informed about the timing and progress of works.
Political backing and ongoing efforts
The summit follows a motion from Cllr Matt Cowley (Con, Harpenden South West), who highlighted the need for improved processes and suggested national legislation is insufficient to manage disruption.
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst (Lib Dem, Abbots Langley), Hertfordshire’s executive member for highways, proposed the initial summit. He said it would be a round-table discussion focused on cooperation rather than criticism.
Cllr Cowley welcomed the cross-party agreement and said he hoped the summit would lead to less disruption for residents.
Earlier engagement with utilities and government
Last November, the council leader and Cllr Giles-Medhurst met with Affinity Water and planned follow-up meetings with Cadent Gas and UK Power Networks. In September 2025, Giles-Medhurst wrote to the Transport Secretary requesting greater enforcement powers and heavier fines for poorly managed works.
He pointed out that councils currently lack the power to fine utilities for failing to repair covers properly.
Broader regulatory context
While local authorities control permits and conditions to manage timing and quality of works, a separate consultation is underway on the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice. This covers site safety, including how works are signed, lit, and guarded, but does not address permit timing or reinstatement quality.
