Permits scheme to dig up Shropshire roads
Utility companies digging up roads in Shropshire could have to apply for permits to carry out work under a new scheme that could net the council almost £1 million a year.
Firms can currently access water pipes and underground cables without permission from Shropshire Council. The new proposals could come into place in September next year.
Companies would be required to get a permit first in a bid to reduce the number of roadworks taking place at short notice.
Star comment: Common sense may work on roadworks permits scheme
It would end situations like work which has just started on the A49 in Craven Arms. Traffic lights and roadworks were set up on Tuesday, with part of the road being dug up – but town council chairman Clive Leworthy said people had not been made aware work was due to take place.
Shropshire Council cabinet members backed the permit plan at a meeting in Shirehall yesterday, although the scheme still needs approval from the Department for Transport.
Councillor Simon Jones, cabinet member for highways, said currently utilities companies only have to notify Shirehall to tell them work was being carried out.
He said: "They will now have to get a permit from us before they go on to the roads. It would have conditions so at long last we can control the utilities companies going on to our roads."
Councillor Ann Hartley, deputy Shirehall leader, said: "It's a good idea. For how many years have we had utilities companies digging up our roads just after we finish resurfacing works?"
The council is set to spend about £150,000 on establishing a business case and potentially setting up the scheme.
A report by Gary Parton, street works manager, said the permit plan had the potential to bring in revenue of between £200,000 and £920,000 per year.
It comes as the council yesterday revealed that it was on course for a £5 million overspend due to payments for adult social care.
