Road works permit schemes 'could become more widespread'

Date: 9/6/2011

Road works could increasingly become subject to an advanced permit application in the UK capital.

The Department for Transport reports that Waltham Forest, Richmond, Harrow, Lambeth and Greenwich, among others, have all been successful in their bid to operate such a scheme in their jurisdiction.

Under the initiative, any organisation planning to carry out road works will have to meet conditions about the timing of the project and how much space will be left for other motorists, in addition to securing a permit.

Should they fail to keep to any of the terms they agreed to or if they are found to be operating without the council's approval they could be subject to a fine.

Running since 2010, the London-based scheme has now expanded to incorporate a further seven boroughs.

Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker says: "Everyone who lives and works in London has experienced the frustration of having their journey disrupted by road works and I want to see councils and utility companies doing all they can to reduce the problems works cause for the travelling public."

In May, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond and Mayor of London Boris Johnson unveiled a £1 million research and development fund to create new technology with the aim of reducing the disruption caused by road works.

Posted by Mary Treen