New permit scheme set to slash roadworks misery for Sunderland drivers

Next week, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet will discuss a new permit scheme which aims to regulate when and where gas, electricity and internet providers, and others, can dig up roads.

The scheme, which is backed by the government, aims to strengthen the council’s powers to enforce conditions on highway works.

This includes fines for contractors breaking the rules.

Under the new scheme, firms must seek advance permission from the council rather than giving notice of the works.

If approved, the plan aims to benefit residents through reductions in traffic delays, disruption and carbon emissions.

Sunderland City Council leaders will discuss the scheme on Tuesday, December 10.

A raft of permit fees are proposed depending on the duration of works, location and traffic levels.

Major works of more than 10 days on a ‘traffic sensitive road’ for example, demand the highest fee at £176.

For the same works on a ‘non traffic sensitive road’, the charge would be around £94.

Variations to existing work permits also demand a fee, unless the council initiate the change.

And if contractors work on busy roads outside of traffic sensitive times, they could be eligible for a discount.

A cabinet report states that the scheme could create around five full-time equivalent jobs.

It adds that set-up costs of £140,000 for ICT, training, office furniture and staffing would be “recoverable through the permit fees going forward.”

The report reads: “The alternative option would be to continue with the current noticing arrangements,however this does not provide the council with enhanced network control measures on works promoters.

“In addition, the Secretary of State has suggested interventionshould local authorities not adopt the permit scheme, such intervention would result in significant financial and reputational costs to the council.

“The proposed introduction in March of the Department for Transport’s ‘street manager’, a new digital platform for planning and managing works on the highway, relies heavily on local authorities adopting a permit scheme.”

The cabinet meeting starts at 2pm at Sunderland Civic Centre.

For more information, visit: www.sunderland.gov.uk