Consultation asks Lincolnshire businesses and residents for their views on new permit scheme

Under the Lincolnshire Permit Scheme, companies would need to apply for a permit before starting work. The scheme would apply to firms working on new developments where planning permission has been granted and affects a highway, and to the council’s own road maintenance contractors.

It would be administered by Lincolnshire County Council, which as the Permit Authority, would charge a fee for the issue of a permit or the variation of an existing permit.

Coun Richard Davies, executive councillor for highways and transportation said: “A huge amount of works on our network are actually carried out by utility companies and not the council – last year 80 per cent of all works were those of water, gas and electricity suppliers. This scheme will help us manage any activity on the highway, control the timing and duration of works and make sure they are completed to a good standard.

“While we appreciate some works are emergencies, this will give us the option of issuing penalties when unnecessary inconvenience has been caused, such as not completing jobs on time or having to revisit works.

“We are keen to ensure that our roads are open as much as possible for motorists to use, so we will employ staff to make sure this is working effectively.

“I would like to hear feedback from anyone who has a view on the proposed scheme.”

The scheme could commence in October 2016. The consultation has now started, and comments need to be received by 5pm on Friday May 31. It is available online here

If you prefer to receive the information by email, send a request to the email address below.

Alternatively any other questions, requests or commentary not covered by the survey can be submitted by email at: [email protected]