Do I Need a Streetworks Card to Work on the Highway?

A Streetworks accreditation card is issued to workers who have completed NRSWA training and passed the relevant unit assessments. It is proof that the holder has been trained to carry out or supervise street works on public highways in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

Cards are issued at either operative or supervisor level and include details of the specific units the holder is accredited for.

In practice, most utility contractors, highway authorities, and principal contractors will check that workers hold valid Streetworks cards before allowing them to work on the public highway.

Under NRSWA, anyone who carries out or directly supervises street works on a public highway must hold the appropriate accreditation. This covers a wide range of roles including utility operatives, telecoms engineers, water and drainage teams, gas and electricity workers, and the supervisors who manage these gangs.

The requirement applies regardless of whether you are employed directly by a utility company or working as a subcontractor. If your work involves opening up the highway, you need the card.

Any work that involves excavating or reinstating the surface of a public road or footway requires NRSWA accreditation. This includes installing or repairing underground utilities, making connections to service pipes, and carrying out any form of reinstatement after excavation.

Setting up Signing, Lighting and Guarding (SLG) arrangements at a streetworks site also requires specific accreditation, even if the worker is not directly involved in the excavation itself.

Work carried out entirely on private land is not covered by NRSWA, though other health and safety legislation still applies.

Working on the public highway without the required NRSWA accreditation is a breach of the New Roads and Street Works Act. The local highway authority has powers to issue fixed penalty notices and take enforcement action against both the individual and the company responsible for the works.

Beyond the legal risk, many contractors will simply not permit unaccredited workers on site. In practice, not holding a valid card can prevent you from working in utilities or highway-related roles altogether.

To get a Streetworks card you need to enrol on an NRSWA training course with an approved provider. You will study the relevant units for your role (operative or supervisor), sit the assessments, and on passing, your card will be issued by the awarding body.

Apollo QA runs NRSWA operative and supervisor courses at training centres across the East Midlands. Courses run regularly and can be booked online or by phone.

Cards are valid for five years and must be renewed by reassessment. If your card has already expired, you will need to book a reassessment rather than a full course.