An evaluation report, by
Ecorys, published today (June 18 2018) by the Department
for Transport shows permit schemes – where companies apply to
highways authorities to carry out works – help reduce the length
of disruption from roadworks by more than 3 days. It also showed
these scheme cut the number of overrunning roadworks.
Permit schemes cover works on all local roads and can be
complemented by lane rental, where utility companies are charged
daily for digging up the busiest roads at peak times. Lane rental
guidance will be issued later this year.
Around 65% of authorities now have in place these schemes, which
are making a real difference. The remaining 35% are being asked
to introduce them so that their local communities can benefit
from this positive impact on journeys.
Roads Minister said:
Roadworks are the bane of drivers’ lives, causing delays and
costing the UK economy £4.3 billion a year.
Permit schemes are proven to reduce the length of roadworks,
allowing motorists to have fewer disrupted journeys and
reducing the burden on businesses.
More councils should look at adopting permit schemes, as well
as lane rental schemes in due course, to help drivers get to
work and visit friends and family quickly and safely.
Permit schemes, which
were introduced in 2010, give councils more control over
roadworks. Local authorities can also add conditions to the
roadworks, such as the time when works can start and end, limits
on the number of days they can be in place and where equipment
should be stored, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
Councils may charge a fee to cover the administration costs of
permits.
This follows the announcement of a national rollout of lane
rental schemes later this year which will see companies charged
up to £2,500 a day to carry out works on busy roads. Pilot lane
rental schemes in London and Kent have seen congestion on the
busiest roads drop, saving drivers time and boosting the economy.
It also comes after Transport Secretary called on companies to
carry out works on pavements, where possible, instead of under
roads to avoid any disruption to motorists. More details will be
revealed in due course.
