{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/new-roads-and-street-works-act-1991/section-51",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/new-roads-and-street-works-act-1991/section-51.json",
  "legislation": "ukpga/1991/22",
  "legislation_title": "New Roads and Street Works Act 1991",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/new-roads-and-street-works-act-1991",
  "path": "section/51",
  "kind": "section",
  "number": "51",
  "heading": "Prohibition of unauthorised street works.",
  "text": "(1) It is an offence for a person other than the street authority—\n(a) to place apparatus in a street, or\n(b) to break up or open a street, or a sewer, drain or tunnel under it, or to tunnel or bore under a street, for the purpose of placing, inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, repairing, altering or renewing apparatus, or of changing the position of apparatus or removing it,\notherwise than in pursuance of a statutory right or a street works licence.\n(2) A person committing an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.\n(3) This section does not apply to —\n(a) works for road purposes,\n(b) emergency works of any description, or\n(c) street works as described in section 48(3ZA) (works relating to public charge points executed in a street in England in pursuance of a street works permit).\n(4) If a person commits an offence under this section, the street authority may—\n(a) in the case of an offence under subsection (1)(a), direct him to remove the apparatus in respect of which the offence was committed, and\n(b) in any case, direct him to take such steps as appear to them necessary to reinstate the street or any sewer, drain or tunnel under it.\nIf he fails to comply with the direction, the authority may remove the apparatus or, as the case may be, carry out the necessary works and recover from him the costs reasonably incurred by them in doing so.",
  "extent": "E+W",
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F1",
      "text": "Words in s. 51(2) substituted (4.10.2004 for E., 26.11.2007 for W.) by Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18), ss. 40(1)(2), 99(1), Sch. 1; S.I. 2004/2380, art. 2(d)(i) (with art. 3); S.I. 2007/3174, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F2",
      "text": "Words in s. 51(3) substituted (13.3.2026) by Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (c. 34), ss. 49(6), 118(1)(z5) (with s. 116); S.I. 2026/292, reg. 2"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C1",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (29.10.2020) by The Southampton to London Pipeline Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1099), arts. 1, 12(1)(2) (with art. 32, Sch. 9 para. 36)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C2",
      "text": "S. 51 modified (29.10.2020) by The Southampton to London Pipeline Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1099), arts. 1, 11(5) (with art. 32, Sch. 9 para. 36)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C3",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (9.1.2014) by The National Grid (King’s Lynn B Power Station Connection) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3200), arts. 1, 10(2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C4",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (7.5.2014) by The National Grid (North London Reinforcement Project) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1052), arts. 1, 9(2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C5",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (29.10.2014) by The Able Marine Energy Park Development Consent Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2935), art. 15(2) (with arts. 30(4), 53)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C6",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (9.2.2016) by The National Grid (Hinkley Point C Connection Project) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/49), arts. 1, 10(2)(3) (with art. 32)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C7",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (25.3.2016) by The Thorpe Marsh Gas Pipeline Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/297), arts. 1, 12(2) (with art. 39)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C8",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (29.3.2017) by The Glyn Rhonwy Pumped Storage Generating Station Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/330), arts. 1, 10(2) (with art. 31)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C9",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (12.10.2018) by The Eggborough Gas Fired Generating Station Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1020), arts. 1, 8(2) (with arts. 6, 42)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C10",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (10.10.2019) by The Abergelli Power Gas Fired Generating Station Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1268), arts. 1, 9(2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C11",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (15.10.2020) by The Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1075), arts. 1, 10(2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C12",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (2.12.2021) by The South Humber Bank Energy Centre Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1259), arts. 1, 10(2) (with Sch. 8 para. 48)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C13",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (13.7.2022) by The A47 Blofield to North Burlingham Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/738), arts. 1, 15(2) (with arts. 4, 50)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C14",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (7.12.2022) by The A417 Missing Link Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1248), arts. 1, 11(2) (with art. 4)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C15",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (29.12.2022) by The Keadby 3 (Carbon Capture Equipped Gas Fired Generating Station) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1396), arts. 1, 9(2) (with art. 32, Sch. 10 paras. 26(2), 68)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C16",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (10.3.2023) by The A47 Wansford to Sutton Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/218), arts. 1, 15(2) (with arts. 4, 50)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C17",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (18.7.2023) by The Longfield Solar Farm Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/734), arts. 1, 8(2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C18",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (27.7.2023) by The Boston Alternative Energy Facility Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/778), arts. 1, 10(2) (with arts. 5, 53, Sch. 8 paras. 6, 64)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C19",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (3.8.2023) by The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/800), arts. 1, 8(2) (with arts. 42, 43, Sch. 9 Pt. 1 para. 4, Sch. 9 Pt. 3 para. 6(1), Sch. 9 Pt. 4 para. 20, Sch. 9 Pt. 9 para. 4)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C20",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (7.9.2023) by The A38 Derby Junctions Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/923), arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 4, 45, Sch. 9 paras. 6, 46, 54(1))"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C21",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (11.10.2023) by The Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1033), arts. 1, 9(2) (with arts. 36, 37, Sch. 9 paras. 14, 44(1), 76, 103)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C22",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (7.2.2024) by The Drax Power Station Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage Extension Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/70), arts. 1, 9(2) (with art. 43, Sch. 12 paras. 5, 24)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C23",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (9.2.2024) by The A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/60), arts. 1, 17(2) (with arts. 4, 52, Sch. 11 paras. 6, 24, 39(1), 55(1), 84)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C24",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (11.3.2024) by The Net Zero Teesside Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/174), arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 42, 43, Sch. 12 paras. 5, 51, 91, 129, 136, 234, 345, 356)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C25",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (13.3.2024) by The Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/230), arts. 1, 10 (with Sch. 11 paras. 5, 22, 37, 47, 82, 110)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C26",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (5.4.2024) by The National Grid (Yorkshire Green Energy Enablement Project) Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/393), arts. 1, 11(4) (with art. 44, Sch. 15)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C27",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (11.4.2024) by The HyNet Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/436), arts. 1(2), 10(2) (with arts. 21, 41, Sch. 10)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C28",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (9.5.2024) by The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/564), arts. 1, 8(2) (with arts. 35, 36, Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C29",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (14.6.2024) by The A1 in Northumberland: Morpeth to Ellingham Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/733), arts. 1, 13(2) (with art. 6, Sch. 10)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C30",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (3.8.2024) by The Gate Burton Energy Park Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/807), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 45, Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C31",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (3.8.2024) by The Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/802), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 44, Sch. 12)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C32",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (3.8.2024) by The Mallard Pass Solar Farm Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/796), arts. 1, 8(2) (with Sch. 15)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C33",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (27.9.2024) by The Cottam Solar Project Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/943), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 48, Sch. 15)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C34",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (4.10.2024) by The National Grid (Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/958), arts. 1, 11(6) (with art. 40, Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C35",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (9.10.2024) by The M3 Junction 9 Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/753), arts. 1, 11(2) (with art. 4, Sch. 10) (as amended by S.I. 2024/1020, Sch.)S. 51(1) modified (17.2.2025) by The Heckington Fen Solar Park Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/85), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 43, Sch. 13)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C36",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (27.2.2025) by The Associated British Ports (Immingham Green Energy Terminal) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/165), arts. 1, 7(2) (with arts. 48, 59, Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C37",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (4.4.2025) by The North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/362), arts. 1, 12(5) (with Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C38",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (28.4.2025) by The Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/468), arts. 1, 9(2) (with arts. 47, 48, Sch. 10)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C39",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (1.5.2025) by The Viking CCS Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/509), arts. 1(2), 9(2) (with art. 41, Sch. 9)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C40",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (31.5.2025) by The East Yorkshire Solar Farm Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/585), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 49, Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C41",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (25.6.2025) by The M5 Junction 10 Development Consent Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/795), arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 4, 43, Sch. 9)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C42",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (11.7.2025) by The Oaklands Farm Solar Park Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/739), arts. 1, 8(2) (with Sch. 10)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C43",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (28.7.2025) by The Mona Offshore Wind Farm Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/870), arts. 1, 10(2) (with arts. 37, 38, Sch. 10)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C44",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (30.9.2025) by The M60/M62/M66 Simister Island Interchange Development Consent Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1018), arts. 1, 10(2) (with arts. 5, 34, Sch. 9)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C45",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (12.10.2025) by The Gatwick Airport (Northern Runway Project) Development Consent Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1054), arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 5, 9(6), 43, Sch. 9)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C46",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (22.10.2025) by The A46 Newark Bypass Development Consent Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1090), arts. 1, 17(2) (with arts. 4, 9, 51, Sch. 9)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C47",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (5.11.2025) by The Tillbridge Solar Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1105), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 49, Sch. 15)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C48",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (13.11.2025) by The Stonestreet Green Solar Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1175), arts. 1, 10(2) (with art. 40, Sch. 13)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C49",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (27.11.2025) by The Cory Decarbonisation Project Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1227), arts. 1, 13(2) (with Sch. 12)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C50",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (29.12.2025) by The Helios Renewable Energy Project Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1372), arts. 1, 9(2) (with Sch. 9)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C51",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (8.1.2026) by The Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1376), arts. 1, 10(2) (with arts. 39, 40, Sch. 9)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C52",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (25.2.2026) by The A46 Coventry Junctions (Walsgrave) Development Consent Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/125), arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 40, 45, Sch. 9) (which affecting provisions were superseded by S.I. 2026/537, arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 40, 45, Sch. 9))"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C53",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (4.3.2026) by The Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/138), arts. 1(2), 8(2) (with arts. 42, 43, Sch. 18)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C54",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (11.3.2026) by The Fenwick Solar Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/151), arts. 1, 8(2) (with Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C55",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (30.4.2026) by The Springwell Solar Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/419), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 48)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C56",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (5.6.2026) by The North Falls Offshore Wind Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/567), arts. 1, 8(2) (with arts. 44, 45, Sch. 14)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C57",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (5.6.2026) by The Dogger Bank South East and West Offshore Wind Farms Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/577), arts. 1, 8(2) (with arts. 40, 41, Sch. 15)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C58",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (23.7.2026) by The Peartree Hill Solar Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/869), arts. 1, 10(2) (with art. 37, Sch. 11)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C59",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (24.7.2026) by The Dean Moor Solar Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/754), arts. 1, 10(2) (with Sch. 13)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C60",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (30.7.2026) by The One Earth Solar Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/934), arts. 1, 8(2) (with art. 47)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C61",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (14.9.2026) by The Beacon Fen Energy Park Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/1025), arts. 1, 11(2) (with art. 39, Sch. 11 para. 131)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C62",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (30.10.2026) by The Green Hill Solar Farm Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/1074), arts. 1, 8(2) (with Sch. 15)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C63",
      "text": "S. 51(1) modified (31.10.2026) by The Steeple Renewables Project Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/1086), arts. 1, 8(2) (with Sch. 10)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C64",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (9.1.2014) by The National Grid (King’s Lynn B Power Station Connection) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3200), arts. 1, 9(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C65",
      "text": "Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (9.1.2014) by The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and Bristol City Centre Rapid Transit Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3244), arts. 1, 4(9) (with arts. 57, 58, Sch. 11 para. 19)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C66",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (9.1.2014) by The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and Bristol City Centre Rapid Transit Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3244), arts. 1, 4(1)(2) (with arts. 57, 58, Sch. 11 para. 19)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C67",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (7.5.2014) by The National Grid (North London Reinforcement Project) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1052), arts. 1, 13(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C68",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (9.2.2016) by The National Grid (Hinkley Point C Connection Project) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/49), arts. 1, 11(1) (with art. 32)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C69",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (29.3.2017) by The Glyn Rhonwy Pumped Storage Generating Station Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/330), arts. 1, 12(1) (with art. 31)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C70",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (15.10.2020) by The Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1075), arts. 1, 11(1)(2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C71",
      "text": "Pt. 3 applied (2.12.2021) by The South Humber Bank Energy Centre Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1259), arts. 1, 10(3) (with Sch. 8 para. 48)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C72",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (7.12.2022) by The A57 Link Roads Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1206), arts. 1, 11(1)(2) (with art. 5)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C73",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (7.12.2022) by The A417 Missing Link Development Consent Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1248), arts. 1, 12(1)(2) (with art. 4)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C74",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (10.3.2023) by The A47 Wansford to Sutton Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/218), arts. 1, 11(1)(2) (with arts. 4, 50)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C75",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (27.7.2023) by The Boston Alternative Energy Facility Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/778), arts. 1, 11(2) (with arts. 5, 53, Sch. 8 paras. 6, 64)"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C76",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (7.9.2023) by The A38 Derby Junctions Development Consent Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/923), arts. 1, 12(1)(2) (with arts. 4, 45, Sch. 9 paras. 6, 46, 54(1))"
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C77",
      "text": "Pt. 3 modified (9.2.2024) by The A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Development Consent Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/60), arts. 1, 12(1)(2) (with arts. 4, 52, Sch. 11 paras. 6, 24, 39(1), 55(1), 84)"
    }
  ],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/22/section/51",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-11-07T03:34:08.105882+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}