New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Section 71 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 02 March 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
(1)An undertaker executing street works shall in reinstating the street comply with such requirements as may be prescribed as to the specification of materials to be used and the standards of workmanship to be observed.
(2)He shall also ensure that the reinstatement conforms to such performance standards as may be prescribed—
(a)in the case of interim reinstatement, until permanent reinstatement is effected, and
(b)in the case of permanent reinstatement, for the prescribed period after the completion of the reinstatement.
This obligation is extended in certain cases and restricted in others by the provisions of section 73 as to cases where a reinstatement is affected by subsequent works.
(3)Regulations made for the purposes of this section may make different provision in relation to different classes of excavation and different descriptions of street, and in relation to interim and permanent reinstatement.
(4)The Secretary of State may issue or approve for the purposes of this section codes of practice giving practical guidance as to the matters mentioned in subsections (1) and (2); and regulations made for the purposes of this section may provide that—
(a)so far as an undertaker complies with such a code of practice he shall be taken to comply with his duties under this section; and
(b)a failure in any respect to comply with any such code is evidence of failure in that respect to comply with those duties.
(5)An undertaker who fails to comply with his duties under this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F1level 5] on the standard scale.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 71(5) substituted (4.10.2004 for E., 26.11.2007 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 40(1)(2), 99(1), Sch. 1; S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(d)(i) (with art. 3); S.I. 2007/3174, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pt. 3 modified (5.4.2024) by The National Grid (Yorkshire Green Energy Enablement Project) Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/393), arts. 1, 12(2) (with art. 44, Sch. 15)
C2Pt. 3 modified (14.6.2024) by The A1 in Northumberland: Morpeth to Ellingham Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/733), arts. 1, 11(2) (with art. 6, Sch. 10)
C3Pt. 3 modified (4.10.2024) by The National Grid (Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/958), arts. 1, 13(2) (with art. 40, Sch. 14)
C4Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (9.4.2013) by The Hinkley Point C (Nuclear Generating Station) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/648), arts. 1, 9 (with arts. 48, 68, 79)
C5Pt. 3 modified (9.1.2014) by The National Grid (King’s Lynn B Power Station Connection) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3200), arts. 1, 9(1)
C6Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (9.1.2014) by The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and Bristol City Centre Rapid Transit Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3244), arts. 1, 4(9) (with arts. 57, 58, Sch. 11 para. 19)
C7Pt. 3 modified (9.1.2014) by The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and Bristol City Centre Rapid Transit Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3244), arts. 1, 4(1)(2) (with arts. 57, 58, Sch. 11 para. 19)
C8Pt. 3 restricted (6.8.2014) by The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1873), art. 1, Sch. 12 Pt. 2 para. 3 (with arts. 12, 13, Sch. 12 Pt. 1 paras. 6(3), 19, Pt. 2 paras. 3, 6, 13, Pt. 3 para. 5, Pt. 4 para. 4, Pt. 5 para. 4)
C9Pt. 3 modified (24.9.2014) by The Thames Water Utilities Limited (Thames Tideway Tunnel) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2384), arts. 1, 10(5), 11(4)
C10Pt. 3 modified (9.2.2016) by The National Grid (Hinkley Point C Connection Project) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/49), arts. 1, 11(1) (with art. 32)
C11Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (2.8.2016) by The Midland Metro (Wolverhampton City Centre Extension) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/684), arts. 1, 5(1)(2) (with arts. 46, 47, Sch. 8 para. 2(7), Sch. 9 para. 4, Sch. 10 para. 12(2))
C12Pt. 3 modified (23.9.2016) by The M4 Motorway (Junctions 3 to 12) (Smart Motorway) Development Consent Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/863), arts. 1, 9(2)
C13Pt. 3 modified (29.3.2017) by The Glyn Rhonwy Pumped Storage Generating Station Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/330), arts. 1, 12(1) (with art. 31)
C14Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (24.8.2017) by The National Grid (Richborough Connection Project) Development Consent Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/817), arts. 1, 9(1) (with art. 22)
C15Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (27.2.2020) by The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/121), arts. 1, 12(1)(2) (with art. 3(1))
C16Pt. 3 modified (11.6.2020) by The M42 Junction 6 Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/528), arts. 1, 13(1)(2) (with art. 37)
C17Pt. 3 modified (9.2.2021) by The A1 Birtley to Coal House Development Consent Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/74), arts. 1, 10(1)(2) (with art. 5, Sch. 27 para. 36)
C18Pt. 3 modified (11.8.2022) by The Sizewell C (Nuclear Generating Station) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/853), arts. 1, 15(1) (with arts. 62, 76, 87)
Pt. 3 modified (2.9.2022) by The A47 North Tuddenham to Easton Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/911), arts. 1, 10(1)(2) (with arts. 4, 53)
C19Pt. 3 modified (7.12.2022) by The A57 Link Roads Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1206), arts. 1, 11(1)(2) (with art. 5)
C20Pt. 3 modified (7.12.2022) by The A417 Missing Link Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1248), arts. 1, 12(1)(2) (with art. 4)
C21Pt. 3 modified (10.3.2023) by The A47 Wansford to Sutton Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/218), arts. 1, 11(1)(2) (with arts. 4, 50)
C22Pt. 3 modified (27.7.2023) by The Boston Alternative Energy Facility Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/778), arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 5, 53, Sch. 8 paras. 6, 64)
C23Pt. 3 modified (7.9.2023) by The A38 Derby Junctions Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/923), arts. 1, 12(1)(2) (with arts. 4, 45, Sch. 9 paras. 6, 46, 54(1))
C24Ss. 54-106 applied (28.2.2013) by The Rookery South (Resource Recovery Facility) Order 2011 2013 (S.I. 2013/680), art. 10(3)
C25Ss. 54-106 applied (9.4.2013) by The Lancashire County Council (Torrisholme to the M6 Link (A683 Completion of Heysham to M6 Link Road)) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/675), arts. 1, 9(2)
C26Ss. 54-106 applied (15.6.2013) by The Galloper Wind Farm Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1203), arts. 1, 13(3) (with arts. 11, 12)
C27Ss. 54-106 applied (15.8.2013) by The North Blyth Biomass Power Station Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1873), arts. 1, 9(3) (with art. 30)
C28S. 71 applied (with modifications) (9.1.2014) by The National Grid (King’s Lynn B Power Station Connection) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3200), arts. 1, 9(2)(3)
C29Ss. 54-106 applied (7.7.2014) by The East Anglia ONE Offshore Wind Farm Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1599), arts. 1, 8(3) (with arts. 37, 38, Sch. 9 para. 19)
C30Ss. 54-106 applied (6.8.2014) by The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1873), arts. 1, 15(3) (with arts. 7(6), 12, 13, Sch. 12 Pt. 1 para. 19, Sch. 12 Pt. 2 para. 6, sch. 12 Pt. 3 para. 5, Sch. 12 Pt. 4 para. 4, Sch. 12 Pt. 5 para. 4)
C31Ss. 54-106 applied (24.9.2014) by The Thames Water Utilities Limited (Thames Tideway Tunnel) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2384), arts. 1, 10(4), 11(5) (with arts. 55, 56)
C32Ss. 54-106 applied (2.10.2014) by The North Killingholme (Generating Station) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2434), arts. 1, 9(3) (with arts. 6, 9(4), 13, Sch. 8 Pt. 1 para. 6, Sch. 8 Pt. 3 paras. 4(3), 6, 17, Sch. 8 Pt. 5 para. 9)
C33Ss. 54-106 applied (29.10.2014) by The Able Marine Energy Park Development Consent Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2935), art. 15(3) (with arts. 30(4), 53)
C34Ss. 54-106 applied (28.11.2014) by The Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2950), arts. 1, 10(3) (with arts. 38, 39)
C35Ss. 54-106 applied (7.1.2015) by The Willington C Gas Pipeline Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3328), arts. 1, 10(3)
C36Ss. 54-106 applied (2.2.2015) by The Northumberland County Council (A1 – South East Northumberland Link Road (Morpeth Northern Bypass)) Development Consent Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/23), arts. 1, 9(2)
C37Ss. 54-106 applied (26.2.2015) by The Cornwall Council (A30 Temple to Higher Carblake Improvement) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/147), arts. 1, 9(3)
C38Ss. 54-106 applied (11.3.2015) by The Dogger Bank Creyke Beck Offshore Wind Farm Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/318), arts. 1, 13(3) (with arts. 8(5), 35, 40, 41, Sch. 12 Pt. 1 paras. 4, 9(2), 10, Pt. 2 paras. 4(2)(3), 19, Pt. 4 paras. 3, 4, 16)
C39Ss. 54-106 applied (1.4.2015) by The Knottingley Power Plant Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/680), arts. 1, 10(3) (with art. 7(6), Sch. 8 para. 10)
C40Ss. 54-106 applied (23.6.2015) by The Norfolk County Council (Norwich Northern Distributor Road (A1067 to A47(T))) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1347), arts. 1, 9(2)
C41Ss. 54-106 applied (30.6.2015) by The Swansea Bay Tidal Generating Station Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1386), arts. 1, 9(3) (with arts. 51, 53)
C42Ss. 54-106 applied (7.8.2015) by The Preesall Underground Gas Storage Facility Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1561), arts. 1, 9(3) (with art. 44)
C43Ss. 54-106 applied (14.8.2015) by The Progress Power (Gas Fired Power Station) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1570), arts. 1, 10(3)
C44Ss. 54-106 applied (26.8.2015) by The Dogger Bank Teesside A and B Offshore Wind Farm Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1592), arts. 1, 14(3) (with arts. 35, 40, 41)
C45Ss. 54-106 applied (19.11.2015) by The Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 Power Station Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1832), arts. 1(2), 9(3)
C46Ss. 54-106 applied (30.12.2015) by The Port Talbot Steelworks Generating Station Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1984), arts. 1, 9(3) (with art. 26)
C47S. 71 modified (9.2.2016) by The National Grid (Hinkley Point C Connection Project) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/49), arts. 1, 11(2)(3) (with art. 32)
C48Ss. 54-106 applied (with modifications) (25.3.2016) by The Thorpe Marsh Gas Pipeline Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/297), arts. 1, 12(3) (with art. 39)
C49Ss. 54-106 applied (2.8.2016) by The Meaford Gas Fired Generating Station Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/779), arts. 1, 11(3)
C50Ss. 54-106 applied (10.8.2016) by The York Potash Harbour Facilities Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/772), arts. 1, 10(3) (with arts. 35, 36)
C51Ss. 54-106 applied (19.8.2016) by The North Wales Wind Farms Connection Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/818), arts. 1, 10(5) (with art. 35)
C52Ss. 54-106 applied (with modifications) (15.9.2016) by The River Humber Gas Pipeline Replacement Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/853), arts. 1, 11(3) (with art. 43)
C53Ss. 54-106 applied (23.9.2016) by The M4 Motorway (Junctions 3 to 12) (Smart Motorway) Development Consent Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/863), arts. 1, 11(3)
C54Ss. 54-106 applied (27.9.2016) by The Triton Knoll Electrical System Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/880), arts. 1(2), 8(3) (with arts. 39, 40, Sch. 8 para. 19)
C55S. 71 applied (28.10.2016) by The Brechfa Forest Wind Farm Connection Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/987), arts. 1, 8(3)(l) (with art. 37)
C56Ss. 54-106 applied (18.3.2017) by The North London Heat and Power Generating Station Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/215), arts. 1, 10(3)
C57Ss. 54-106 applied (29.3.2017) by The Glyn Rhonwy Pumped Storage Generating Station Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/330), arts. 1, 10(3) (with art. 31)
C58Ss. 54-106 applied (5.4.2017) by The Keuper Underground Gas Storage Facility Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/433), arts. 1, 10(4)
C59Ss. 54-106 applied (8.8.2017) by The Wrexham Gas Fired Generating Station Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/766), arts. 1, 10(3)
C60S. 71 applied (with modifications) (24.8.2017) by The National Grid (Richborough Connection Project) Development Consent Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/817), arts. 1, 11(3)(h) (with art. 22)
C61Ss. 54-106 applied (29.8.2017) by The East Anglia THREE Offshore Wind Farm Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/826), arts. 1, 8(3) (with arts. 5(9), 36, 37, Sch. 8 para. 34)
C62Ss. 54-106 applied (12.10.2018) by The Eggborough Gas Fired Generating Station Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1020), arts. 1, 8(3) (with arts. 6, 42)
C63Ss. 54-106 applied (3.4.2019) by The Millbrook Gas Fired Generating Station Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/578), arts. 1, 9(3)
C64Ss. 54-106 applied (10.10.2019) by The Abergelli Power Gas Fired Generating Station Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1268), arts. 1, 9(3)
C65Ss. 54-106 applied (25.10.2019) by The Drax Power (Generating Stations) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1315), arts. 1, 9(3)
C66Ss. 54-106 applied (27.2.2020) by The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/121), arts. 1, 11(3) (with art. 3(1))
C67Ss. 54-106 applied (14.4.2020) by The Reinforcement to the North Shropshire Electricity Distribution Network Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/325), arts. 1, 10(4) (with art. 7)
C68Ss. 54-106 applied (1.5.2020) by The Riverside Energy Park Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/419), arts. 1, 11(3) (with art. 7)
C69Ss. 54-106 applied (11.6.2020) by The M42 Junction 6 Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/528), arts. 1, 12(3) (with art. 37)
C70Ss. 54-106 applied (1.9.2020) by The Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/847), arts. 1, 9(3) (with Sch. 9 para. 144)
C71Ss. 54-106 applied (9.2.2021) by The A1 Birtley to Coal House Development Consent Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/74), arts. 1, 12(3) (with art. 5, Sch. 27 para. 36)
C72Ss. 54-106 applied (22.12.2021) by The Morlais Demonstration Zone Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1478), arts. 1, 7, Sch. 10 para. 2 (with arts. 15, 50, Sch. 11 para. 29)
C73Ss. 54-106 applied (10.3.2022) by The Thurrock Flexible Generation Plant Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/157), arts. 1, 11(3) (with Sch. 8 Pt. 6 para. 19)
C74Ss. 54-106 applied (11.8.2022) by The Sizewell C (Nuclear Generating Station) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/853), arts. 1, 14(4) (with arts. 15, 62, 76, 87)
C75Ss. 54-106 applied (2.9.2022) by The A47 North Tuddenham to Easton Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/911), arts. 1, 14(3) (with arts. 4, 53)
C76Ss. 54-106 applied (with modifications) (4.11.2022) by The A47/A11 Thickthorn Junction Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1070), arts. 1, 15(3) (with arts. 4, 52, Sch. 9 para. 82)
C77Ss. 54-106 applied (7.12.2022) by The A57 Link Roads Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1206), arts. 1, 10(3) (with arts. 5, 11)
C78Ss. 54-106 applied (7.12.2022) by The A417 Missing Link Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1248), arts. 1, 11(3) (with arts. 4, 12)
C79Ss. 54-106 applied (29.12.2022) by The Keadby 3 (Carbon Capture Equipped Gas Fired Generating Station) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1396), arts. 1, 9(3) (with art. 32, Sch. 10 paras. 26(2), 68)
C80Ss. 54-106 applied (10.3.2023) by The A47 Wansford to Sutton Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/218), arts. 1, 15(3) (with arts. 4, 50)
C81Ss. 54-106 applied (18.7.2023) by The Longfield Solar Farm Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/734), arts. 1, 8(3)
C82Ss. 54-106 applied (27.7.2023) by The Boston Alternative Energy Facility Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/778), arts. 1, 10(3) (with arts. 5, 53, Sch. 8 paras. 6, 64)
C83Ss. 54-106 applied (7.9.2023) by The A38 Derby Junctions Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/923), arts. 1, 11(3) (with arts. 4, 45, Sch. 9 paras. 6, 46, 54(1))
C84Ss. 54-106 applied (7.2.2024) by The Drax Power Station Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage Extension Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/70), arts. 1, 9(3) (with art. 43, Sch. 12 paras. 5, 24)
C85Ss. 54-106 applied (11.3.2024) by The Net Zero Teesside Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/174), arts. 1, 11(3) (with arts. 42, 43, Sch. 12 paras. 5, 51, 91, 129, 136, 234, 345, 356)
C86Ss. 54-106 applied (13.3.2024) by The Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heatnd Power Facility Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/230), arts. 1, 10 (with Sch. 11 paras. 5, 22, 37, 47, 82, 110)
C87S. 71 applied (5.4.2024) by The National Grid (Yorkshire Green Energy Enablement Project) Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/393), arts. 1, 12(4)(5) (with art. 44, Sch. 15)
C88Ss. 54-106 applied (14.6.2024) by The A1 in Northumberland: Morpeth to Ellingham Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/733), arts. 1, 13(3) (with art. 6, Sch. 10)
C89Ss. 54-106 applied (3.8.2024) by The Mallard Pass Solar Farm Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/796), arts. 1, 8(3) (with Sch. 15)
C90Ss. 54-106 applied (3.8.2024) by The Gate Burton Energy Park Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/807), arts. 1, 8(3) (with art. 45, Sch. 14)
C91Ss. 54-106 applied (3.8.2024) by The Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/802), arts. 1, 8(4) (with art. 44, Sch. 12)
C92Ss. 54-106 applied (27.9.2024) by The Cottam Solar Project Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/943), arts. 1, 8(3) (with art. 48, Sch. 15)
C93S. 71 applied (4.10.2024) by The National Grid (Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/958), arts. 1, 13(5)(6) (with art. 40, Sch. 14)
C94Ss. 54-106 applied (15.2.2025) by The West Burton Solar Project Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/116), arts. 1, 8 (with art. 47, Sch. 15)
C95Ss. 54-106 applied (17.2.2025) by The Heckington Fen Solar Park Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/85), arts. 1, 8(3) (with art. 43, Sch. 13)
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