10.04.13
Road works information sharing for councils and utilities
New technology is to be introduced to improve the management of road works for local councils and utility companies, transport minister Norman Baker has announced.
The changes come into force from October 1, and will make it easier for utility companies and local authorities to share information on the timing and coordination of road works.
All will be legally bound to use the new system, known as the electronic transfer of notices (ETON) and councils will have a six month window to transfer, with all expected to use it by 1 April 2014.
Baker said: “Nobody likes having their journey disrupted by road works. By cutting red tape and making it easier for councils and utility companies to work together, road work can be carried out more efficiently, with considerable savings made to the public purse. This will free up time and resources that could be better spent delivering other services that will benefit road users in the future.
“It is estimated that about two thousand hours could be saved by councils and utility companies every week by using the new system, saving industry alone £600,000 a year. In total, the street works sector is expected to net savings of £14.3m over the next 10 years, driving efficiencies and saving taxpayers’ money.”
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