Govt approves north-west road works permit scheme

Date: 28/12/2011

The government has approved the first road works permit scheme in the north-west of England.

St Helens Borough Council will now have greater powers to coordinate work on the area's roads and take action by issuing fines when they overrun.

This is the fourth initiative of its kind in the country and any firms wishing to undertake a construction project will have to apply for a permit, supplying information such as timings and how much disruption there will be.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said this will encourage utilities firms to give greater consideration to members of the public, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

"Road works are a fact of life but sometimes works take longer and cause more disruption than is necessary," he added.

This comes after the Department for Transport announced it is cutting red tape and reducing or changing regulation in the sector in an attempt to make life easier for motorists.

Posted by Mary Treen