New powers to help reduce disruption from roadworks

Cheshire East Council has been given new powers to help reduce the disruption caused by roadworks.

Following formal consultation and approval from the Department of Transport, Cheshire East Council can now implement a Permit Scheme from November 14th 2014.

This means that companies, such as utilities, will need to apply for a permit before they can start work on the highway – rather than just inform the Council that works are to go ahead.

A list of specific conditions will also be attached to the permit, which would be jointly agreed with the companies, and used to amend the works to cause less disruption to local people and road users.

Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said: "This is great news for residents of Cheshire East and our road users.

"The aim of the new permit scheme is to ensure that any repairs made the Borough's roads are to the highest possible standard, as well as giving residents and Cheshire East Council more control over when potentially disruptive roadworks will take place.

"At the moment, if, for example, a utility company wants to carry out work on a road in Cheshire East, it just has to notify the Council of the work rather than asking for permission. Under the new scheme, a company will have to apply for permission to access the road before it starts the work.

"Other than emergency work, where a company would have to apply for a permit within two hours of the work starting, Cheshire East Council will then grant, refuse or tailor the application.

"This is really important for being responsive to local needs and another good example of our strong commitment to putting residents first. This is not just talk – this is clear action to improve the day-to-day lives of the people of Cheshire East.

"We are an enforcing Council, so people can rest assured that those carrying out roadworks will be held accountable for unnecessary delays and disruption to road users and residents."

Councillor David Topping, Cheshire East Cabinet member in charge of environment, added: "We are really delighted to be given these new powers, which we will use wisely for the benefit of local residents and users of our road network.

"The aim is to work in closer partnership to limit any disruption and ensure work is carried out more efficiently and without unnecessary delays that can really frustrate road users, residents and Councillors alike. Companies or other bodies that fail to comply with the conditions will be subject to penalties."

Photo: Councillor David Topping.

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Cheshire East Council