Agenda item

This report updates the Local Committee on the first 12 months of the operation of the South East Permit Scheme, which controls road works on the Surrey County Council highway network.

Kevin Orledge, the SCC Streetworks Team Manager, introduced the report informing the Local Committee that the South East Permit Scheme had been operating for 12 months. Companies who want to carry out work on the highway now must pay a fee for a permit.  The income that these have produced is as predicted and the team now consists of 32 full time staff.  This added resource has led to an increase of 60% in the number of inspections of road works taking place.  At the moment SCC set their own conditions on the permits, but the Department for Transport (DfT) is looking to standardise the conditions set across all operating authorities.  SCC is working with the DfT to look at the implications of the standardisation.

Members’ comments included:

·         The new scheme is providing a more co-ordinated approach to road works

·         Compliments regarding communication about recent road works in Oxshott

·         Questions about the fees charged and signs not being removed

The officer responded that the team generate income through other means including inspections, overrun charges and re-inspections. He also requested that any signs left behind by contractors be reported.

The Local Committee resolved to

(i) note the contents of the report.