The Traffic Management Act has prompted the restructuring of council transportation departments across England, as authorities strive to demonstrate that they are being as tough on their own works as utilities'.
Twenty per cent of the 121 highway authorities which responded to a Surveyor questionnaire said they had separated, or were planning to separate, their network management staff from their highways maintenance teams. In some cases, they have been moved to separate buildings.
The move follows Government advice that there should be 'sufficient separation' between officers charged with improving co-ordination and works promoters.