Street Works UK is encouraging organisations across the street works sector to respond to the Department for Transport’s consultation on proposed changes to the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice, ahead of the deadline on 14 December 2026.
The Safety Code, commonly known as the Red Book, provides essential guidance for the safe management of street works and road works across England. The proposed revisions could have significant implications for how works are planned, managed and delivered, including changes to safety requirements, accessibility, traffic management and operational practices.
As the Government considers updates to the guidance, it is vital that the experiences and perspectives of those working across the sector are reflected in the final Code.
Street Works UK strongly encourages all organisations involved in delivering street works to review the proposals and submit their own responses, highlighting the practical implications of the changes and identifying opportunities to improve safety and efficiency.
To support engagement with the consultation, Street Works UK has developed three guidance documents to help organisations understand the proposed changes and prepare informed, evidence-based responses.
These include:
The documents are designed to help organisations identify the proposals most relevant to their activities, understand their potential implications and develop their own consultation responses.
Street Works UK believes that any changes to the Safety Code must deliver meaningful improvements to safety and accessibility while remaining proportionate, practical and workable for those delivering essential infrastructure.
We are particularly encouraging organisations to draw on their own operational experiences when responding to the consultation, including practical examples of how proposed changes could affect site safety, accessibility, works duration, traffic management, costs and training requirements.
Where concerns are identified, responses should highlight potential unintended consequences and suggest practical alternatives. Equally, it is important that positive changes which could improve safety and working practices are recognised.
By providing detailed, evidence-based feedback, the industry can help ensure the revised Code supports safer and more effective street works without introducing unnecessary complexity or barriers to infrastructure delivery.
Street Works UK will also be submitting its own response to the consultation, drawing on feedback and operational insights from across its membership.
The Department for Transport’s consultation closes on 14 December 2026.
Street Works UK encourages organisations across the sector to take this opportunity to help shape the future of street works safety guidance.
Read and respond to the Department for Transport consultation
