Companies that cause traffic chaos by overrunning and ‘badly managed’ roadworks in Reading could soon be fined.
At a recent meeting, councillors agreed to reform the way roadworks are managed by Reading Borough Council.
Currently, the council runs a Street Manager system, but this was felt inferior to a street works permit scheme, which contracts management of all roadworks out to a specialist company.
Sam Shean, the council’s highways and traffic services manager, argued the scheme is ‘much more efficient.’
Supporting the move, lead councillor for transport (Labour, Abbey) Tony Page said: “Clearly one of the things that is aggravating to us and our local residents is the phenomenon of over-running or badly-managed street works.
“Any system that offers improved coordination and also sanctions is to be welcomed.
“We’ve had recent examples of companies that engage with the existing process better, and some worse.”
Cllr Page stressed that would not be a ‘magic bullet’ for sorting out roadwork issues in Reading.
But it does give the council the power to fine companies for delays and bad practices.
According to Department for Transport guidance, a company could be fined £500 for working without a permit, and £120 for breach of permit conditions defined by permits that would be issued by the scheme.
This reduces to £300 and £80 respectively if paid within 29 days of accruing the fine.
Conditions that can be attached to permits include working hours, project duration in days, the width and length of road that can be occupied by roadwork projects, and whether equipment has to be removed after a days work.
Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) asked whether the council itself could get punished for over-running works and bad practices.
Mr Shean replied: “All contractors on the public highway will have to adhere to the rules, and that includes the council.”
A report on the scheme admitted that Reading would be one of the last local authorities to implement it.
The scheme will cost £100,000, and involves hiring a consultant and bringing in staff for implementation.
Once established, members of the public will be able to report transport delays caused by works on the roads for investigation and subsequent issue of penalty permit notices.
The decision was made to put the street works permit scheme out to tender and give authority to council officials to select the contractor.
It was agreed unanimously at the council’s strategic environment, planning and transport committee on Wednesday, November 16.
The contract to implement the scheme will be advertised using the Crown Commercial Services portal.
