The Department for Transport’s new head of traffic management pleaded for patience from councils this week, as he set out a new timetable for the Traffic Management Act regulations at a Surveyor conference.
Ben Still pledged that highway authorities would have the first tranche of long-awaited new powers to help them keep traffic moving – as required by the 2004 Act – by ‘mid to late 2007’. He apologised for the department’s sluggishness.
He also revealed that, unlike the stalled section 74 overrunning charges, pilot schemes would not be required. Still expressed regret over the delay in publishing the key performance indicators and intervention criteria, which he acknowledged had caused confusion among councils and other organisations as to how they should respond to the Act.
‘Our department is increasingly under pressure to perform while we are now much smaller in numbers,’ he said. ‘Turning draft regulations into law is difficult.’ But he revealed that more resources and better project management from the DfT would now ensure a revised new timetable for implementation would be adhered to. He surprised many at the conference by saying there was no need for trials of permit schemes, although a second six-week consultation was required. Four or five pilots to allow the department to test what works best were expected (Surveyor, 15 September 2005).
The department would, however, assess carefully the costs and benefits, and closely monitor the operation of the first schemes to come forward. The regulations would be laid in ‘late 2007’. The working group was still discussing the sensitive issue of at what level permit charges will be pitched. It was also not yet decided whether or not permits were be to be required on all routes, and if they would be combined with notices. The regulations on notices, fixed-penalty notices, and section 74 charges would be enacted as early as the middle of next year.
New guidance on civil parking enforcement – which would dissuade councils from clamping and require greater transparency on finances – would go out to consultation from July. But the powers many councils are eager to take on would not come into force until early 2008. UK Roads Board chair, ~Matthew Lugg~ also speaking at the Cardiff conference, said the TMA had ‘encouraged us all to raise our game’. The recent Surveyor network management survey’s finding that 93% of authorities were aware of all works taking place was proof councils were responding to the challenge.
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
