New street works permit scheme in Bucks to help 'minimise disruption'

Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) will be implementing a new Permit Scheme on 1 May 2020 as a way to manage potentially disruptive street works.
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Previously, a permit has only been required for work on the most traffic sensitive roads. With a permit scheme, anyone working on the road has to apply to do so, and there is a cost to cover the administration of the scheme, including inspections of the work. This also allows TfB to set specific conditions for the permit such as hours of work and type of traffic control.

Under the old scheme, any works elsewhere on the road network were ‘notified’ rather than requested and this gives much less control of these works and staff resource to manage the work and any clashes.

With the new scheme a permit will be required for work on any road maintained by TfB. This will enhance the ability to minimise disruption to the public, through better coordination of all works that take place on any of Buckinghamshire's roads.

Buckinghamshire Council Executive Portfolio Holder for Transport, Mark ShawBuckinghamshire Council Executive Portfolio Holder for Transport, Mark Shaw
Buckinghamshire Council Executive Portfolio Holder for Transport, Mark Shaw

The new scheme also aims to give improved information to the public about work being done in their local area or where they are travelling. This is due to better forward planning and enhanced programming of work that the scheme will bring.

As well as enhanced communication, there will be an improvement to timing and duration of works in busier areas within the local communities.

Buckinghamshire’s road network has links to several major roads and motorways. In rolling out the scheme, it is hoped to improve commuters' journey times by easing congestion, advancing road safety and providing enhanced accessibility.

Buckinghamshire Council Executive Portfolio Holder for Transport, Mark Shaw, said: “The new scheme is in line with the Department for Transport’s recommendations and the approach taken by many other highway authorities. I am very pleased to see this being rolled out across Buckinghamshire and hope that the travelling public will also see the benefits this scheme brings in due course.”