Kent council acts to tackle roadworks

Companies must apply for permission before they start digging up streets

Kent has become the first authority outside London to bring in a new scheme to ensure roadworks do not overrun.

The permit system gives Kent County Council (KCC) the power to co-ordinate roadworks and act if they do not finish as scheduled.

Companies must now apply for permission before they start digging up streets and must keep to conditions on timing and the amount of space left for users.

Anyone who breaks the terms or works without a permit could be prosecuted.

They could also face a fine of up to £5,000.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan said: "Everyone knows that roadworks are necessary to keep essential infrastructure in good order, but councils and utility companies need to do everything possible to keep disruption to a minimum for the travelling public.

'Poor surfaces'

"I am delighted that the Kent scheme is up and running and am pleased that more and more councils across the country are developing plans to introduce their own permit schemes."

However, the RAC has warned that "potential flaws" with permitting could see utility companies passing on the costs to their customers and not feeling "the financial pain themselves".

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said that could reduce its effectiveness.

"It must also be remembered, it is not just digging a road up that causes disruption. So does poor reinstatement of the surface once the job is done," he said.

"Officials need to police this new system rigorously to make sure it achieves what is intended and drivers see the benefits.

"If not enforced, no rule or regulation is worth the paper it is written on."

A similar scheme in London started two weeks ago.