March 3, 2016 11.44 am This story is over 96 months old

Plans to restrict work on Lincolnshire roads could see companies charged for disruptions

Permit scheme: Residents and business are being asked for their views on a new scheme designed to give the county council more control over the works of companies on its highway network.
Photo: The Lincolnite

The councillor in charge of highways at Lincolnshire County Council has pledged to keep the county’s roads open as much as possible by introducing a new permit scheme for utility companies.

Residents and business are being asked for their views on the Lincolnshire Permit Scheme, which would give the council more control over the works of companies on its highway network.

Companies would need to apply for a permit before starting work under the new proposals.

The scheme would apply to firms working on new developments where planning permission has been granted and affects a highway, and to the council’s own road maintenance contractors.

It would be delivered by Lincolnshire County Council, which as the Permit Authority, would charge a fee for the issue of a permit or the variation of an existing permit.

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Councillor for Highways and Transportation, said: “We are keen to ensure that our roads are open as much as possible for motorists to use, so we will employ staff to make sure this is working effectively.

“A huge amount of works on our network are actually carried out by utility companies and not the council – last year 80% of all works were those of water, gas and electricity suppliers.

“This scheme will help us manage any activity on the highway, control the timing and duration of works and make sure they are completed to a good standard.

“While we appreciate some works are emergencies, this will give us the option of issuing penalties when unnecessary inconvenience has been caused, such as not completing jobs on time or having to revisit works.”

The consultation has now started, and comments can be left on Lincolnshire County Council’s website.

Any other questions, requests or commentary not covered by the survey can be submitted by email at: [email protected]

The deadline for comments to be received by the county council is 5pm on Friday, May 31.