June 28, 2016 11.21 am This story is over 92 months old

Tougher roadworks restrictions to help cut congestion in Lincolnshire

New rules on roadworks in the county will see stricter limits on timings and penalties for companies who cause unnecessary inconvenience. The proposed new rules have been trialled by Lincolnshire County Council since March. They mean nearly everyone wanting to carry out works on the highways, including utility companies and the council’s own contractors, will need…

New rules on roadworks in the county will see stricter limits on timings and penalties for companies who cause unnecessary inconvenience.

The proposed new rules have been trialled by Lincolnshire County Council since March.

They mean nearly everyone wanting to carry out works on the highways, including utility companies and the council’s own contractors, will need to apply for a permit to do so.

If approved at a meeting next month, the scheme would start in early October.

This permit scheme will allow the authority to impose conditions around the types of traffic management systems used and the timing and duration of the works.

Photo: Aaron Renfree

Photo: Aaron Renfree

Companies will also need to provide clearer and more detailed roadside signage, giving people more information about what’s happening.

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said:

“The vast majority of the works carried out on our roads are by utility companies – last year it was around 80%.

“This new approach will give us more control over the timing and duration of all works, helping us minimise any disruption. We could even penalise them for any unnecessary inconvenience they might cause.

“That should mean better co-ordination and that things are completed on time and to a good standard, keeping the roads open and the traffic flowing as much as possible.”

The proposals are due to be discussed by the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Monday, July 11, with a final decision taken by the authority’s Executive in September 2016.

The council has been trialling the scheme with some of its own works, as well as consulting local companies, neighbouring local authorities, district and parish councils and national businesses affected by utilities works. Special interest groups were also consulted.