Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2026 to Question 35233 on Road Works: Utilities, what estimate her Department has made of the number of occasions on which the same section of highway has been excavated by
Answer
The Department does not hold an estimate of the number of occasions on which the same section of highway has been excavated by different utility companies within a 12‑month period. The Government is committed to minimising disruption from street works and reducing unnecessary repeat excavations. Existing measures, including permit schemes, lane rental schemes and statutory coordination duties, are intended to reduce repeated works. The Department will continue to work with local authorities and industry to improve planning and coordination and maximise opportunities for collaborative working wherever practicable.25% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (74/100)
The question asked whether the Department has estimated how often the same highway section is repeatedly excavated. The reply states plainly that the Department does not hold such an estimate, which is a complete and direct answer on that point. The reply does narrow its focus to utility company works over a 12-month period, so the asker may still want to ask about the wider question.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What estimate the Department has made of the number of occasions on which the same section of highway has been excavated | Addressed | Direct | The question asks whether the Department has made an estimate of repeat excavations of the same highway section, and answer statement 1 directly states that the Department does not hold such an estimate, which is a complete factual answer. The reply narrows the scope to utility companies within a 12-month period, but the core answer about the existence of an estimate still responds to the item. Statements 2–4 are general policy context and do not carry the answer. |