Councillor calls for higher charges on utility roadworks permits

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 15:31 · Archive

A councillor in Redcar and Cleveland wants utility companies to pay more for permits to dig up highways.

Ormesby councillor Glyn Nightingale has called for utility companies to pay substantially more for the permits required when they carry out roadworks on council-owned highways. He requested figures from Redcar and Cleveland Council and highlighted one permit charge of £150, which he suggested should have been significantly higher. Local authorities issue these permits to utility companies to cover an agreed duration of work, though the charges are set by the Department of Transport within a statutory framework.

Cllr Nightingale argued that the current fees do not adequately reflect the disruption caused. He pointed to the 'social costs' and costs to third parties, including traffic flow disruption, damage to roads and footpaths requiring resurfacing, and mess left behind after work is completed. He cited a recent roadworks scheme in Ormesby that left residents with difficulty accessing their driveways. He said higher permit charges would both recompense the council and increase its income.

When asked about the proposal, Councillor Carl Quartermain, the cabinet member for highways and transport, responded that there is no scope for the council to make additional charges beyond the statutory framework set by the Department of Transport.

How it is being reported

• 'I thought it was a typo' as councillor hits out at £150 roadworks permit chargeUtility companies should pay more for the permits required when highway routes are dug up for roadworks, a councillor says.The Northern Echo · 5 Nov, 15:00
• Utility companies should pay more for disruption caused by roadworks, councillor demandsOrmesby councillor Glyn Nightingale said 'extra zeros' should be added to council permit chargesTeessideLive · 5 Nov, 00:01

In this story: Glyn Nightingale · Redcar and Cleveland Council · Carl Quartermain · Ormesby · Department of Transport

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log