Purpose

The County Council implemented a Road and Street and Road Works Permit Scheme in 2016 and, in March 2020, the Cabinet Member approved a revised Permit Scheme, Policy and Fees. Subsequently, a Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) was adopted in December 2022, the fourth scheme of its type implemented nationally.

The last few years have seen an unprecedented level of demand for road space to complete street and road works, which is expected to continue. While the permit and lane rental schemes have been successful in enabling the County Council to co-ordinate works and minimise disruption, the impact of increased demand on the travelling public and businesses remains considerable.

In response, the County Council has developed a Highway Network Management Plan which seeks to further improve the management of access to the network.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport has –

1)    approved the Highway Network Management Plan, attached as Appendix A to the report; and

2)    delegated authority to the Assistant Director (Highways, Transport and Planning) to make any minor changes to the HNMP, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.