Bath & North East Somerset Council has launched a consultation with utility companies on a proposed system to give it more control over roadworks and reduce inconvenience to local road users.
Feedback is being invited on the street works permit scheme, which has the aim of giving the council greater powers over road works that are booked, such as the hours in which they operate and the use of temporary traffic lights on busier roads.
Although the scheme applies equally to the council’s own highway works, comments are being sought from utility companies because of the impact it will have on the way they plan and undertake their road works.
Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “We all recognise that road works have to take place for important reasons, but it can still cause frustration and delay our journeys.
“Introducing a street works permit scheme will allow road space to be booked in a more streamlined way to benefit all organisations and will provide improved information for road users.
“This scheme would give us additional tools to manage the works effectively and help keep everyone moving on the roads of Bath & North East Somerset.“
After taking into account feedback from utility companies, the scheme is anticipated to begin in Spring 2020.
The link to the consultation is www.bathnes.gov.uk/streetpermit.