Roadworks permit scheme helps reduce misery for drivers

Less congestion and quicker work completion are the key benefits

Snarled-up traffic jam

A study commissioned by the Department for Transport has found that roadwork permit schemes have meant big benefits for drivers.

First introduced in 2010, permit schemes give councils more control over the roadworks undertaken on their streets. Companies have to apply to the local authority for a permit to carry out the work before starting, helping councils plan to minimise disruption.

The report found that in areas where permit schemes were used, the length of disruption to motorists was reduced by an average of more than three days. Findings also showed that the number of roadworks that overran were also reduced by the use of permits.

A key factors in the success of the scheme is that permits can specify what times of the day companies can undertake the works. Limits on the number of days allowed for the work, and even where equipment can be stored, can also be prescribed by the local authority. This stops companies and contractors from dragging out maintenance work unnecessarily.

Some 65% of local authorities now have permit schemes in place, with the Department for Transport encouraging the remaining 35% to introduce them as soon as possible. 

A nationwide rollout of lane rental schemes will also follow later this year, and complement the use of permits. Lane rental sees utility companies charged up to £2,500 per day to dig up the busiest roads, further incentivising firms to get work done sooner.

At present, lane rental has only been trialled in London and Kent. However, the initial signs are that again they have had a positive impact on helping reduce congestion. Further guidance will be issued later in 2018 to see lane rental schemes applied across the country.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman has claimed that roadworks cost the UK economy more than £4 billion each year. The Department for Transport also has plans to encourage utility companies to place services beneath pavements, rather than roads, to minimise disruption. 

Read more:

Related Articles

John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Find a Car Review

Latest

Kia EV9 is World Car of the Year 2024

The Kia EV9 is the latest pure electric car to be named World Car of the Year – and it also scooped the World Electric Vehicle 2024 prize

How to protect your car with an OBD port locking device

We explain how to prevent your car being stolen by criminals targeting its On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port.

New Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX gets 340hp and all-wheel drive

The retro-styled ID. Buzz people carrier is now offered with 340hp, making for an unlikely addition to Volkswagen’s sporty GTX range.

Salon Privé London to host three days of champagne and supercars

Salon Privé London returns to the Royal Hospital in Chelsea next month, with special celebrations of McLaren and the Porsche 911 Turbo.