Better management of roadworks and less inconvenience for drivers is behind a new scheme – coming in force today – which gives Bath & North East Somerset Council more control over essential utility company repairs.
The street works permit scheme will allow the council to better co-ordinate when and how road works take place by utility companies needing to install and maintain essential services for residents.
Two-thirds of all roadworks are carried out by utility companies and the scheme will allow the council to agree conditions with companies on how long it should take to complete the works.
Following a consultation with utility companies from September to November 2019, Councillor Joanna Wright signed a single-member decision and the order for the permit scheme was made on March 5.
Utility companies are now required to book space on the road network instead of notifying the council of their intended works.
Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “Thank you to the utility companies who supported us with our consultation. Drivers and cyclists often wonder how roadworks can appear haphazard and ask why they can’t be more controlled. The introduction of the permit system in Bath and North East Somerset will allow us to work with utility companies to coordinate their essential works, keeping roads free at the busiest times and preventing works going on longer than is absolutely necessary.”
Companies who work without a permit or break the conditions can be fined.
More information about how Bath & North East Somerset Council manages roadworks can be found at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/streets-and-highway-maintenance/roadworks
