Cutting road works' disruption - better training & more powers for councils

New proposals aimed at helping reduce disruption by ensuring that road works are carried out efficiently, safely and to the highest standards - ensuring more work is done correctly the first time round - were unveiled today by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton.

The proposals would see qualified workers being reassessed every five years to ensure their knowledge of the latest requirements and best practice is up-to-date. The move comes as the Government is also introducing new measures to help councils to limit the delays and congestion caused by road works.

Rosie Winterton said:

"Better trained road workers will mean more road works completed correctly the first time round, saving the public from further disruption and an estimated £14 million a year in repair costs for sub-standard work and associated costs such as congestion.

"We are already giving councils new powers to better co-ordinate road works and help cut disruption. Now we are taking action to help make sure that these works are carried out safely and to the highest possible standards by qualified workers.

"The reassessment process for workers I am unveiling today will mean workers and supervisors will have to keep up to date with the latest techniques and best practice if they are to remain qualified."

From 1 April, councils will be able to insist that utility companies give longer notice periods before starting road works - improving co-ordination and making it possible to prevent multiple works in the same area at the same time.

Councils will also be able to impose conditions on works, such as a ban on rush hour working and will also be to operate a permit scheme - meaning that anyone wanting to dig up the road will have to apply for a permit that will set out specific durations for the work and conditions of how and when it is carried out. Councils will be able to penalise utility companies that break the conditions.

The new proposals on training would mean that from 2010 those carrying out road works in England will have to pass a test at an approved assessment centre every five years. At the moment qualified workers simply have to complete a re-registration form and pay a fee to remain on the Street Work Qualifications Register (SWQR).

The new proposals - which are subject to a twelve-week public consultation - would also introduce new registerable qualifications for workers and supervisors involved in signing, lighting and guarding of road works.