Guide to HAUC products

What is the HAUC?

The HAUC stands for the Highways Authorities and Utilities Committee. This committee was established to ensure highway authorities, utilities and government are able to work together safely to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public in the UK.

They provide guidance to practitioners working in road and street works alongside the Department for Transport and the devolved Governments to develop standardised codes of practice and industry best practices in road maintenance and highway works.

What is the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991?

The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NSWA) is an act of parliament which sets out a legislative framework for the planning, management and regulation of roads and street work developed by the HAUC. The act sets the standards for the construction and utilities industries to follow when conducting road works and controlling traffic during these works.

The main objectives of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 are to:

• Ensure the safety of road users, workers, and the public during road and street works.
• Minimise the disruption caused by road and street works to road users, local communities, and businesses.
• Provide a framework for the planning and coordination of road and street works.
• Promote the use of safe and efficient methods and equipment in road and street works.

The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 lays out requirements and regulations for road and street works including:

• Contact the relevant authorities about the works, such as local councils, authorities and highway agencies before any work is carried out.
• Obtaining any relevant permits, approvals, or licenses.
• Following specific health and safety requirements for road and street works, such as the use of personal protective equipment, signage, and traffic management.
• Making sure that the road or street is in a safe and usable condition both during the works and returned to its original condition on completion of the works.
• The correct paperwork and records need to be kept such as details of the work carried out and any accidents that occur.

By complying with the regulations set out in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, road and street works can be carried out safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to road users, local communities, and businesses.

HAUC and NSWA products from Oxford Plastics

The LowPro 11/11, LowPro 12/8, LowPro 15/10, LowPro 15/05 and LowPro 23/05

The LowPro road plates and trench covers are designed to be compliant with the regulations set out in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 due to the following features.

• Strong and durable: The LowPro are made from durable plastic, designed and tested to meet the load bearing requirements set out in the NRSWA.
• Low profile: The low profile is close to the ground to reduce trip hazards and minimises the distance between the trench cover and road surface.
• Easy installation: The lightweight design makes both road plates and trench covers simple to install and move if needed.
• Non-slip surface: The non-slip surface is an additional safety benefit vs steel road plates or wooden boards.
• British and European Standards: The LowPro range complies with BS EN 124 which sets out the requirements for the performance of road plates and trench covers.

Find out more about the LowPro   designed to compliantly replace steel plates and wooden boards. Or, for more safety news and resources see our safety and compliance news centre. For more information about any of our products, contact us today.