Traffic Management Act & NRSWA Impact on New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 Ellen Duffy Head of Street Works Branch Department for Transport
Pressures on the Road Network 50% increase in traffic on urban roads forecast from 1996 to 2031 Impact on road users: slow-moving traffic with journey time inconsistent. pollution - noise and air quality Businesses unable to provide reliable deliveries. Public transport t unable to operate to timetable, t and unreliable for those who need them and dis-incentive for others to switch.
Impact of utility companies Planned 20% increase in capital maintenance by water companies between 2005 and 2010 Gas ongoing major mains replacement programme - >100,000km over 30 years Continued expansion in telecommunications network Electricity mains replacement a possibility
DfT s role Government sets the regulatory framework and the minimum standards currently being enacted via TMA DfT works with HAUC on safety codes, codes of practice, etc DfT helps publicise good practice and focuses on helping utilities and local authorities work well together.
Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) Part 1: Traffic Officers on the trunk road network Part 2: Network Management Duty Part 3: Permit schemes a new system for street works management Part 4: Street works updating the current system Traffic Management Act 2004 Part 5: Highways and Roads (London, records, safety etc) Part 6: Civil Enforcement of Traffic Contraventions
Network Management Duty National and Regional Traffic Managers Forums set up and working well coordination; HA involvement; formal link to DfT Guidance on Intervention Criteria (March 2007) for authorities to use to avoid intervention Evaluation of Traffic Management Act 2004 - contract underway
Street t works: Noticing, i Directions, Registers What does TMA provide: Directions on when works may be carried out and where apparatus may be placed; Restrictions following major street works; Validity period for s54 notices; and a notice required if works not going ahead.
Street works: Noticing, Directions, and Registers Other changes in regulations: Measures to improve the flow of information Measures to make the system simpler Measures to improve co-ordination Measures to reduce disruption
Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) FPNs Powers for LA to give FPNs rather than recourse to courts incentive for good information exchange These should be used with thought and care by LA. Not for revenue generation.
Updating Section 74 of NRSWA (charges for unreasonable prolonged occupation) Higher charges if works overrun especially for busier streets with lower charges on less busy roads; Concept off-carriageway works has been dropped. Mitigated t charge
Permits Permits apply equally to activities carried out by highway h authorities and utility companies. Conditions can be attached by the Permit authority. Permit Fees reflect the cost of the scheme relating to utilities own activities. Permit Authorities will have to demonstrate they are operating their scheme in a fair and equitable way a set of KPIs have been developed.
What s Next Finalisation of new Regulations on S74 charges Inspection Training & accreditation consultation Specification for reinstatement of highway Safety What s left Records of undertakers apparatus FPNs for offences under Highway s Act Half width and full width reinstatements
In conclusion Government is committed to delivering the changes introduced in TMA. This needs to be done to a realistic timetable. Important to ensure that Regulations can work.
Thank you for listening