A Government View on Barbara King English Street Works AHAUC / LHAUC Conference ‘Understanding your Environment’ 12th May 2015
What I am going to talk about today……. – Street works in context; – Some of what has happened during the last Government; – Identified work streams.
‘In 2013, the Department’s Vision…. ‘……is for a transport system that is an engine for economic growth, but one that is also greener and safer and improves quality of life in our communities.’
Last Government Priorities were…. • The economy • Reducing disruption • Reducing burdens • Reducing occupancy
What we expect about what the Future Holds… • By 2040, we forecast population will increase by 10 million in England. • Road traffic will increase by over 40 per cent. • Emphasis on reducing disruption increases. • Intelligent Transport Systems
Last 5 Years Priorities for Street Works • Safety • Maintaining road quality. • Economic value • Quality • Reducing congestion • Parity for authority and utility works. • Supporting national • Impact on the environment. infrastructure.
What happened in the last Parliament? • The ‘Red Tape Challenge’ and ‘one -in, two- out’. • The first permit schemes came into operation January 2010. • Legislation removed the Secretary of State approval, and introduced changes to improve operation and consistency. • 2 Lane Rental pioneer schemes were introduced (TfL and Kent). • Over-run charges increased in 2012. • A new UK-wide Safety Code published and brought into force. • Series of new Traffic Advisory leaflets reflecting the DfT / TRL / TfL reducing congestion project.
Permit Schemes – next Steps • The Infrastructure Act received Royal Assent February – makes Permit Schemes available to the new ‘Highways England.’ • The Deregulation Bill received Royal Assent removing the Secretary of State from the approval process. • Permit Scheme Amendment regulations were laid on Parliament’s last day and require all that schemes comply by 1 st October. • 85 English highway authorities now operate a permit scheme.
Lane Rental • Lane rental pioneers: – London started in June 2012. – Kent started May 2013. • Pioneer schemes’ early stage evaluations completed. • Early signs of changing behaviours is positive. • Ministers asked for further information – evaluation study underway – utilities’ contributions will be vital. • Future decision for new Ministers.
Safety at Street Works and Road Works • Revised UK-wide Safety Code published October 2013; • Into force October 2014; • In England now applies to road as well as street works.
The Safety Code • Emphasis on risk assessment and site-specific approaches; • Encourages better working practices to improve safety. The new Safety Code in action: • Using basic layout with risk assessment to suit circumstances.
Reducing Congestion Project Seven new Traffic Advisory Leaflets on reducing congestion at road works 2/14 Using the Core and Vac technique 3/14 Using hydraulically bound mixtures 4/14 Using cementitious mixtures 5/14 Using temporary backfill 6/14 Using road plates 7/14 Mapping underground assets 8/14 Implementing extended working hours
Continuing work streams…. Subject to Ministerial agreement, we will working with HAUC to: • review regulations and processes for Street Works qualifications. • make revisions to the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in the Highway (SROH). • develop statutory guidance for inspections and investigatory works. Also: • Continuing interest in innovation. • Working towards better sector data.
My Contact details Barbara King Barbara.king@dft.gsi.gov.uk 0207 944 2976
Recommend
More recommend
