After section 73E of the 1991 Act (as inserted by section 56 above) there is inserted—

“Inspections

73FGuidance about street authority inspections

(1)

The Secretary of State may issue or approve guidance to street authorities about any matter relating to the exercise by them of any power to carry out inspections of street works.

(2)

In exercising their powers to carry out such inspections a street authority shall have regard to any guidance issued or approved under this section.

(3)

In this section any reference to inspections includes the carrying out of investigatory works.”