The report proposes the implementation of the Hereford Permit Scheme thereby meeting the requirements of the new Street Manager regulations and enabling the better management and co-ordination of works on the highway by applying conditions (see appendix F) which are provided in statutory guidance. The permit scheme will be managed by Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) through the public realm contract as this is within the scope of the contract, this is a change in approach to managing street works - this is not a new function.

That:

(a)        The introduction of the Hereford Council Streetworks Permit Scheme (appendix1);

(b)       The Director for Economy and Place has approval and is authorised to make any minor amendments necessary prior to the Order being made;

(c)       That an Order is prepared and signed implementing the Herefordshire Council Streetworks Permit Scheme; and

The Director for Economy and Place, in consultation with the council’s S151 Officer, is authorised to implement the scheme.

1.         Not to introduce the permit scheme and continue with the existing Noticing Scheme. This is not recommended as this would not be consistent with legislation, national guidance and best practice. This would miss the opportunity to manage the network and put conditions to the works which will ensure compliance or initiate a penalty. The majority of England are now using permitting and all are using Streetmanager, the DfT have requested all authorities in England be permitting authorities.

2.         To have permits and notices in parallel, permits to apply to traffic sensitive streets, this is not recommended as mismanaged street works can impact on the locality whether designated as a traffic sensitive street or not. All streets have an impact on the locality and can be problematic if not managed positively.

3.         To utilise existing permit schemes, this has been explored, the alternative permit schemes have been in operation for a number of years, they can be generic and cover urban and rural environments. The Herefordshire Scheme is taking the best from all options and will be bespoke to Herefordshire needs.

4.         To consider Herefordshire Council delivering the permit scheme directly, currently the function and resource is with the streetworks team which is currently managed by BBLP. This would require further Cabinet consideration at the appropriate time and a further governance report.