The Government has asked local authorities for co-operation in a clampdown on disruption caused by street works.
Transport minister, Sadiq Khan, has waged war on utilities work which overruns on key routes, while indicating a willingness to increase the maximum daily charge by ten-fold.
At the Conservative Party conference last week, shadow transport secretary, Theresa Villiers, also vowed to clamp down on utilities companies, if her party won the next general election.
Ms Villiers claimed she would give firms an incentive to manage their work ‘as efficiently as possible’, by enforcing accountability in the industry.
Her comments came under attack by the National Joint Utilities Group (NJUG), which claimed the way to reduce disruption was through better co-ordination rather than further penalties.
Les Guest, chief executive of NJUG, expressed his disappointment that Ms Villiers was considering further measures before the effects of other initiatives had been fully examined.
‘A daily lane rental-type charge would be an unavoidable cost, which would inevitably increase consumers bills at a time when many are struggling,’ he told Surveyor.
Mr Guest said he would be contacting the shadow transport secretary to discuss her comments.
But Jerry McConkey, chair of Joint Authorities Group (JAG) UK, applauded the ‘proactive’ stance, saying he was happy to explore any initiatives – including lane rental – regardless of which party was in government.
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport this week approved the introduction of a London-wide permit scheme, expected to come into force in January 2010.
David Brown, Transport for London’s surface transport chief, said: ‘We will be continuing to work with the DfT on this, the department’s proposed increase in Section 74 overstay charges, and a proposed lane rental scheme in London, all of which would further help smooth traffic flow across the capital.’
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
