Decision details

Received a report from the Cabinet Member for Environment on a draft Network Management Plan (NMP) for the Borough and the introduction of a Permit Scheme for works on the public highway.

Under the Traffic Management Act 2004 all local authorities have a duty to publish a NMP, setting out their plans to tackle congestion and disruption on the highway network, improving accessibility, offering improved transport choices and reliable journey times and improving air quality.  The draft NMP sets out, in broad terms, the Council’s current position and plans and, once implemented, will be updated and modified to reflect the emerging direction and decisions regarding transport issues.

The Act also provides for local authorities to incorporate a scheme whereby agencies wishing to undertake works to the highway require a permit, with the main aims being to ensure safety and minimise inconvenience to people using the highway.  A permit will prescribe the activities allowed, commencement date and duration of works.  The London Permit Scheme for Road Works and Street Works (LoPS) is already being operated by 18 London councils and all London councils are expected to have introduced the scheme within the next two years.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that the LoPS will be self-financing, with implementation and operating costs being recouped from the charges for permits, and inclusion in the scheme is subject to approval from the Secretary of State for Transport.

Agreed, in order for the Council to meet its statutory responsibilities and assist in achieving its Community Priorities “Safe”, “Clean” and “Prosperous”, to:-

(i)  Approve the draft Network Management Plan as set out at Appendix A to the report;

(ii)  All works on the Borough’s roads and footpaths taking full account of the Council’s current Network Management Plan and the requirements of the Traffic Management Act 2004;

(iii)  Application being made to the Secretary of State for Transport for consent for inclusion in the London Permit Scheme for Road Works and Street Works;

(iv)  The allocation of £100,000 to fund implementation costs, on the basis that this funding and ongoing revenue costs will be recovered from income generated from the scheme; and

(v)  Authorise the Corporate Director of Customer Services, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Members, to establish the precise details of the allowable activities within the Permit Scheme.