Scotland launches national streetworks code of practice in bid to cut disruption

Scotland as introduced a national code of practice in a bid to standardise the techniques used by utilities in trench digging. The use, under the code, of modern, narrow trenching methods in laying communications cables “will mean shorter periods of disruption for power, water and gas works who use this technique,” according to the Scottish government.

The code is focused on communications cable laying. Connectivity Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “We have updated the code to enable narrow trenching to take place consistently, and in a manner which protects our pavements and road network, and this has the added benefit that will result in the faster deployment of broadband across Scotland and a reduction in the disruption communities face during the roll out itself.”