Published on Tuesday 10 December 2019
Ahead of its introduction, utility companies and stakeholders are invited to have their say on BCP Council‘s plans for a new Street Works Permit Scheme for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Earlier in the year, cabinet approved proposals to proceed with the implementation of the permit scheme, which is intended to give BCP Council greater control over works happening on the local road network. At present, utility companies have a statutory right to carry out work and inform the council when they will be doing this. Under the new scheme, they will have to apply for a permit in order to carry out planned works.
As part of the consultation, which runs until the 11 February 2020, the council is seeking views and questions from those who will be affected by the permit scheme. This is mainly targeted at utility companies, however other interested parties, including residents, are also able to take part.
Taking feedback into consideration, the council will then consider whether any changes are needed to the permit scheme, or whether clarification of the scope of scheme operation is required.
A spokesperson from BCP Council, said:
"The permit scheme will enable us to reduce disruption, congestion and pollution on the highway network and we are pleased to now be taking the next step in its implementation. Before this happens it’s important that all interested parties are given an opportunity to view and influence the final plans before they are presented to cabinet for approval.’’
Plans for the new Street Works Permit Scheme as well as details for submitting a response can be viewed here: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/streetworkspermitscheme
The Department for Transport estimates that the English local roads network is subject to around 2.5 million road works each year. The disruption caused is estimated to cost the UK economy around £4 billion per annum.
Additional information:
Under BCP Council’s proposed permit scheme, permission will need to be requested along with clear start, end and duration details; any alteration to these during the work could incur a fee.
- The scheme is in response to requirements from the Department for Transport for all local authorities to agree Street Works Permit schemes by April 2020.
- The scheme will relate to activities on all streets in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. It will require applicants to book planned works for specified periods and specific purposes.
- As part of the proposed scheme, those wishing to apply for a permit to carry out works on the highway will pay a fee in line with statutory guidance. Those fees will cover the cost of operating the scheme.