Councils to cut roadworks red tape

COUNCILS in England could soon have the power to cut red tape and make road works much quicker and more accountable. The plan is to introduce permits for any company that wants to dig up a road, which means they will have to co-ordinate their work with other companies and local authorities to reduce the impact of delays on the public.

The permit scheme could come into force as early as April 2015 and means anyone applying for a permit to carry out road works will need to present a convincing case for the work. A permit will also set out how and when work can be carried out, with incentives for work to be completed during quieter periods when there is less traffic on the road to minimise disruption.

Using permits also means councils can keep a much closer track of which roads are being worked on, when and by which companies. This means the council will be able to compel companies to work together so they complete work at the same time to avoid the same stretch of road being dug up several times in succession for different work.

By Press Association reporters