The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has released a report outlining recommendations to mitigate the effect of road works.
The report stresses collaboration, innovation and government intervention is vital to solve an issue which negatively impacts many industries, including coach and bus.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport has said that poorly planned and badly coordinated road works are causing excessive delays to coach and bus services.
The CIHT report follows the House of Commons Transport Committee’s Monitoring the impact of street works inquiry this year. Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury last week criticised the government’s response to that inquiry.
CIHT calls for the establishment of an Independent Works Commissioner for England to “oversee planning, coordination, and quality of works, standardise practices, resolve disputes, and drive performance improvements”.
Also among the recommendations is the introduction of an incentivised fines system, which rewards companies that reduce disruption and takes into account past performance.
CIHT says a new “immediate-planned” permit category should be added to allow for earlier notification of urgent road works and reduce over-use of “emergency” permits.
The attendance of coordination meetings by all stakeholders should also be required, the report says.
Also recommended is a statutory framework for collaboration; enhanced data planning, monitoring and evaluation; and an update on accessibility in the Safety at Street Works and Road Works – A Code of Practice guidebook.
Sue Percy CBE, CIHT Chief Executive, says: “Disruption caused by street and road works carries significant direct and indirect costs to the economy.
“By reducing this disruption, we can improve the condition and function of our highway network, deliver substantial savings, and maximise the economic benefits of upgrading road and utility infrastructure.”
“This report highlights the challenges and opportunities in managing these works across England’s local highways.
“With increasing demand for road space and the construction of 1.5 million new homes on the horizon, it is vital that those responsible for delivery are supported to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with future needs.”
“CIHT urges policymakers, local authorities, utility providers, and infrastructure professionals to work collaboratively, embrace innovation, and adopt best practice approaches to minimise disruption and deliver long-term value for communities and the economy.”
