The application for a new London Permit Scheme was submitted to the Department for Transport this week.
The permit scheme, which was submitted by Transport for London and 18 borough councils, aims to regulate street works and help ensure that any companies digging up the capital’s roads agree to conditions and timings.
Feedback from consultation has led to the inclusion of a section designed to ensure that the needs of disabled and visually-impaired pedestrians are taken into consideration when it is necessary to work on footpaths or alter road crossings.
The scheme could be in place before the end of this year. It is estimated that there are around 1M holes dug in London’s roads each year, with little or no regulation.
There are more than 100 utility companies which are currently only required to give short notice of upcoming works – and 80% of works are carried out in less than three days’ notice to the highway authority.
David Brown, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: ‘With a permit scheme in place, anyone who wants to dig up the road must think carefully about the impact their works will have on motorists, pedestrians and local residents, and will have to find the best way to reduce that impact before they start.’
A final decision from the transport secretary is expected within the next three months.
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