Road works permit scheme launched in Kent

Date: 26/1/2010

A new road works permit scheme has been launched in Kent to enable to council to coordinate road works and take action when they overrun.

It is hoped the scheme will help minimise disruption to the travelling public when road works take place and is expected to be rolled out in other boroughs.

The Kent scheme was brought into force as the Department for Transport issued new guidance on powers to tackle problem road works.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan commented on the launch: "We introduced these schemes to give local authorities more power to manage and co-ordinate road works and the guidance we are publishing today will make it easier for other councils to develop high quality permit schemes and so reduce inconvenience for all those who use the roads."

He added that other measures will be introduced to minimise road work disruption, such as creating lane rental charges for companies operating on routes with high traffic volumes and issuing higher fines for firms who allow works to run over time.

However, the RAC warned utility companies could pass on the costs to customers, according to the BBC.