Issue - meetings

To give the background information necessary for the Shadow Executive to formally instruct the implementation of the modified permit scheme should it be minded to do so.

RESOLVED:  That the Shadow Executive approves the proposal for the expansion of the existing Buckinghamshire Streetworks Permit Scheme to cover all roads in the County and agrees for a report recommending this be presented to the Shadow Executive.

Mark Shaw introduced the report and explained that the scheme would extend what was already being carried out on the strategic and primary network.  The scheme would enable a better flow of traffic and more inspectors would be available to monitor the work undertaken by the utilities companies.  A consultation had been completed with strategic partners and members.

Rob Smith, Service Director, Highways and Technical Services, added that the neighbouring authorities had a fully comprehensive scheme and it would enable the authorities to have a similar approach and a far better capability to coordinate the management of the roadworks which could be very disruptive on Buckinghamshire's roads.

Members of the Shadow Executive raised the following points in discussion:

• It would be important to ensure effective communication to the town and parish councils via the online portal, particularly on changes to planned roadworks.  R Smith confirmed that the scheme would allow more comprehensive information to be shared on the portal.
• The scheme would ease congestion and thereby improve air quality.
• Information regarding the online portal would be shared with all the members of the Buckinghamshire Council; anyone was able to view www.roadworks.org which was a standalone website.

RESOLVED:  The Shadow Executive APPROVED the proposal for the expansion of the existing Buckinghamshire Street Works Permit Scheme to cover all roads in the County.