A report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch into the partial collapse of a bridge onto open railway lines last year has highlighted the need for better information to be available to Network Rail to manage the potential risk to its structures from breaches of water utilities.

The UK Regulators Network has launched a new consultation seeking views on its proposals to help make the process of crossing or working near the pipes, wires and other equipment of utility network operators easier, quicker and cheaper.

More local authorities are being urged by Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker to consider the use of permit schemes that help to reduce the disruption caused by road works.

Organisations representing utilities and their contractors have expressed serious concerns about plans by the Department of Transport to introduce harsher penalties for utilities who overrun their time limits on disruptive road works.