Local authorities have welcomed the Government’s approval of the country’s first permit scheme, in Kent.
The pioneering scheme will allow Kent County Council to require utilities carrying out street works to apply for a permit in advance, and to set conditions on timing and co-ordination. Kent Highway Services is currently aiming to introduce the scheme in January 2010.
Alongside approving the scheme, the Government has introduced a new system of compulsory tests every five years to ensure that those working on the roads keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date.
Local transport minister, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘We want Kent to blaze a trail which will see other councils coming forward with similar, high-quality schemes to reduce inconvenience for all those who use the roads.’
Phil Mitchell, chair of YHAUC (Yorkshire Highways Authorities and Utilities Committee) permits group, which has proposed a regional scheme in Yorkshire, welcomed the announcement.
‘We hadn’t felt actively encouraged to put a scheme in, so we’re certainly encouraged by the development and the minister’s comments,’ he told Surveyor. Yorkshire’s scheme has the backing of seven regional councils, and a planning group is currently working on the cost:benefit analysis, with the aim of implementation in April 2011.
Keith Davenport, Warwickshire County Council’s traffic manager who is heading up the West Midland regional proposal, said he would study Kent’s submission closely. ‘We’re pleased the minister said what he did. Up to this point, the DfT has been conservative in its attitude, so we’re hopeful.’
The National Joint Utility Group (NJUG) said the scheme was ‘fair, workable and efficient at addressing its aim – the reduction of congestion’.
Les Guest, chief executive of NJUG, added: ‘We are particularly pleased that it focuses on works on the busiest streets, therefore, allowing utilities to prioritise those jobs which have the largest impact on congestion, while allowing flexibility to work economically on other works as demanded by our regulators and customers.’
However, he said similar incentives should be applied to local authorities and contractors carrying out road works ‘to ensure that the UK does see a real improvement’.
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