Tackling congestion on our roads is one of the key challenges in transport today, both at national and local level. The ability of people and goods to move around - to meet the needs of business, to access services, for social purposes and leisure - depends to a great extent on the road network. Part of the response to congestion is to make sure that we make the best possible use of the road network to keep traffic flowing.
However, roads carry more than just traffic. Within them are the means to carry the energy, water and communications infrastructure to provide essential services to both homes and businesses. The right balance needs to be found between the needs of the utility companies, seeking to maintain essential services, and highway authorities striving to keep traffic moving for all their road users.
While all this work is necessary, when and how it is done can make a big difference to the effect it has on road users. We have all had experience of journeys that have been delayed by someone digging up the road. It is important that works are carefully planned and co-ordinated with other activities in the street, as well as carried out safely and with consideration towards roads users and | the public. If those involved work closely to deliver this, it will ensure safety for workers and the public while minimising disruption and inconvenience.
The studies in this Guide show how working together can do this. It requires co-operation of those involved, especially utility companies, local authorities and their contractors and suppliers. It also requires a culture that tries to minimise the impact of works throughout the process, from early planning through to the completion of the work. It is important that, alongside the roll-out of the Traffic Management Act 2004 powers, all those involved in planning or carrying out works in the street seek to embed this co-operation and culture within their organisations and the way that they work together.
We welcome the publication of this Good Practice Guide and are grateful for the contribution of all those involved in creating it. We hope that the Guide will encourage everyone in this industry to work together, adopt the principles set out here, but also go further to develop and promote new ways of working that will become the good practice of the future. This will benefit the industry as well as all road users and local communities. |