Don't dilly-dally on the way! NELC leader urges greater project urgency from utility companies

 

It angers residents and road users when closures are enforced for unnecessarily long periods

THE Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Oliver Freeston, has this week written to major utility companies calling for greater care and consideration over roadworks and traffic management arrangements.

Letters have been sent to the following:

* Anglian Water

* Northern Powergrid

* Cadent

* Openreach 

* Virgin Media 

His missive comes in the wake of ongoing concerns about temporary traffic lights remaining in place while little or no work appears to be taking place, as well as, in some cases,  breaches of permit conditions.

Utility companies are responsible for their own traffic management arrangements, and NELC has limited enforcement powers. 

In certain circumstances, a fixed penalty notice of £240 can be issued.

Says Cllr Freeston (Reform UK, Croft Baker): "Residents are fed up with unnecessary disruption on our roads. 

"We all understand that essential utility works have to take place, but traffic management should be properly managed and removed as soon as it is no longer needed.

"At present, the penalties available to councils are simply not a sufficient deterrent for large utility companies.

"I have written directly to the major firms involved, asking them to show greater care and consideration."

The council leader says he will also be making representations to local MPs, Melanie Onn and Martin Vickers  for tougher penalties, giving councils the powers they need properlyto  enforce permits and minimise disruption.

He continues: "Our roads are already under significant pressure. Where disruption can be avoided or reduced, it should be.”