Commentary on Sections Part 4 : Street Works Section 55: Power of street authority to require undertaker to re-surface street
150.Section 55 inserts new sections 73A, 73B and 73C into NRSWA to enable a street authority, in certain circumstances, to require an undertaker to resurface a street.
151.Section 73A provides for a "re-surfacing notice" to be given by the authority to the undertaker specifying the resurfacing work they require the undertaker to carry out. A re-surfacing notice could be given when an undertaker:
	has given notice under section 54 or 55 of NRSWA, or under paragraph 2(1)(d) of Schedule 3A of that Act, to carry out street works that will involve the breaking up of any part of the street,
	is executing street works which involve the breaking up of any part of the street at the time the notice is given, or
	has previously carried out street works in that street which involved the breaking up of any part of the street (there is provision to prescribe how far back in time this could be applied but any period is permitted unless one is prescribed).
152.The works in respect of which a re-surfacing notice may be given are limited to works carried out from the time of commencement of this section. Undertakers will be subject to the provisions from that time irrespective of whether or not any regulations have been made by the Secretary of State (in England) or the National Assembly for Wales (in Wales), under the accompanying provisions.
153.Section 73A(4) enables a resurfacing notice to relieve the undertaker of some or all of his duties under section 70 of NRSWA with regard to reinstatement of the surface of the street. Regulations may restrict the extent to which the duty may be relieved. Section 73A(5) enables resurfacing notices to be varied or withdrawn.
154.Section 73A(6) provides that a street authority may serve a resurfacing notice notwithstanding that the authority (in any capacity) are under a duty to undertake any of the works specified in the notice.
155.Section 73B deals with the timing of resurfacing works. It enables the authority to specify in a "re-surfacing notice" times, stages and dates for beginning, executing and completing works. Regulations may restrict the use of this power, in some or all cases, including any requirement to consult an undertaker before imposing a restriction.
156.Section 73C provides that the new road surface must conform to any prescribed standards for the materials and workmanship as well as any performance standards for a prescribed period after resurfacing.