The Roads Authorities and Utilities Committee in Scotland is hopeful that new indicators for measuring industry performance in coordinating works will reduce disruption.

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner will, from next month, monitor roads authorities and utilities companies against a number of indicators in order to secure ‘year-on-year improvements’ in planning and carrying out works.

If either local authorities or utility firms ‘regularly and continually’ fall short of the expectations of John Gooday, the commissioner, in fulfilling their duties, he is empowered to impose penalties of up to £50,000.

Brian Cooper, the co-chair of RAUC, said that the indicators on ensuring that works are accurately registered, extensions granted to work durations are minimised and utilities issued directions or penalties if necessary were ‘sensible and measurable’.

They will demonstrate the benefits that can accrue through a national system of utilities giving notice of planned works, as opposed to having to apply for permits to work – the system being considered across England. Gooday is expected to give early indications of how councils and utilities are operating under the new system before the end of the year, but a stock-take after six months is expected to give a better picture of what has been accomplished.

The commissioner also re-launched the website, allowing the public to view ongoing and planned road and street works anywhere in Scotland, encouraging motorists to plan alternative routes. The site, www.roadworksscot land.org, now contains details of road works, as well as utility works, following the requirement for roads authorities to register their works from last April.

Cooper, also of East Lothian council, said the website was ‘a big step forward’. ‘We’re starting to see the benefits: there are fewer incidences of motorists, bus companies and others being surprised by works taking place, reducing queuing and disruption.’