Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
Consider establishing a Street Works Commissioner or alternative independent dispute resolution function.
Conclusion
The Department for Transport should consider setting up a Street Works Commissioner in England to help ensure the consistent application and interpretation of legislation, provide an option for independent dispute resolution and monitor performance across the sector. This would provide clarity for the street works industry and help promote good practice. If the Department considers this approach too costly, it must identify and put in place an alternative approach to ensure that common areas of dispute can be resolved efficiently by an independent, central function whose decisions can be communicated and applied across the sector. (Recommendation, Paragraph 54) Managing disruption
Government Response Summary
The government's response focused on lane rental schemes as a tool to reduce disruption from street works and mentioned publishing results of a consultation on devolving approval powers for these schemes, completely avoiding the recommendation for a Street Works Commissioner or alternative dispute resolution body.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We are committed to reduce disruption from street works and improve the efficiency of our road networks. Lane rental is an important tool to help HAs reduce the impact of works taking place on the busiest roads at the busiest times. These schemes allow authorities to charge utilities up to £2,500 per day for works on these roads. These charges act as an incentive to minimise disruption and congestion by incentivising undertakers to carry out works outside of the busiest times on traffic-sensitive roads and to carry out works on different locations. Evaluation evidence produced by LAs of existing schemes suggests that lane rental can encourage those planning works to take a more strategic approach, and has shown effectiveness in minimising disruption on the busiest roads at the busiest times. However, it is important to recognise that lane rentals are not suitable for every area. Many local authorities do not experience the levels of congestion necessary to justify the administrative and financial burden of operating such a scheme. While we remain committed to empowering local authorities, we must be mindful that there is a risk that extending lane rental powers universally could lead to an inconsistent and fragmented approach across the country. Lane rental is a tool to reduce disruption on the busiest roads; it is not designed to be a revenue generator. Poorly targeted schemes would fail to reduce congestion and would increase costs for utility companies, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers. The Government does however recognise the value of empowering local leaders and that is why we consulted on devolving approval powers for lane rentals to Mayoral Combined Authorities. We will be publishing the results of this consultation and next steps in due course, as part of our broader commitment to supporting smarter, more responsive street works management. 12